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Since 1993, the contributions of Upper Peninsula men and women to the labor movement have been recognized by induction into the Upper Peninsula Labor Hall of Fame.
This year's Upper Peninsula Labor Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony will take place Saturday at Northern Michigan University in Marquette.
A release from event organizers states the hall was "established in 1993 to recognize unionists who have made an outstanding labor contribution to the cause of worker dignity, workplace fairness and actively participated in community service and/or political events."
We congratulate this year's inductees: Carolyn Hietamaki, Michigan Nurses Association, Marquette General Hospital; Ben Balkum, American Federation of Government Employees Local 2280; and posthumously, Warren Brule, a charter member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 219 and founder of MJ Electric.
Unions have taken a beating from many in recent years, but the efforts of those who first dared to form unions so many years back have contributed to the welfare, safety and quality of life for all those who have followed. That should never be forgotten.
Saturday's schedule begins with a reception at 5 p.m. at the Superior Dome by the Hall of Fame Display case. Then it will move over to the University Center (Great Lakes Rooms) for dinner at 6:15 p.m., followed by the awards presentation at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Katie Barglind at uprlfcoord@gmail.com or 906-282-1390.
We thank those who contribute time and energy toward putting this induction ceremony together each year.
We hope many attend the festivities to show the inductees how much their efforts have meant as they strove to make the workplace better for their co-workers and all who have come through since.