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U.P. Labor Hall of Fame inducts Carlson, Thibault

MARQUETTE — On May 14, union members and friends of the labor movement gathered for a banquet and induction ceremony for the Upper Peninsula Labor Hall of Fame.

The sold out event, held at Northern Michigan University, honored two of the region’s most distinguished labor activists, Kathleen Carlson (AFSCME) and Michael Thibault (Ironworkers).

The U.P. Labor Hall of Fame was established in 1993 at Northern Michigan University by the Labor Advisory Planning Committee to recognize unionists who have made an outstanding contribution to the cause of worker dignity and workplace fairness.

Since then, unionists that have made a difference in striving to improve the lives of workers in the U.P. have been selected for induction to the U.P. Labor Hall of Fame.

Carlson and Thibault are the latest in a long line of inductees into the Hall of Fame. Multiple previous inductees attended the event that evening, including Paul Seldenright (Steelworkers), Jon LaSalle (Ironworkers), Michael Prusi (Steelworkers), Stuart Skauge (MEA), and Shana Thornton (AFSCME). Also in attendance were Michigan Construction and Building Trades President Pat Devlin and Vice President of the International Ironworkers Mike Baker.

Marquette Mayor Jenna Smith welcomed the inductees and guests during a reception at the Labor Hall of Fame display in the Superior Dome. The banquet took place in the Northern Center ballrooms, followed by a welcome from NMU President Kerri Schuiling and remarks from Upper Peninsula Regional Labor Federation President Tony Ghiringhelli. Ghiringhelli also wrote a letter addressed to Trade Unionists and Friends of Labor, in which he congratulated the inductees.

“I would like to congratulate Kathleen Carlson and Michael Thibault on their induction into the U.P. Labor Hall of Fame,” Ghiringhelli wrote. “Their commitment to the labor movement, involvement in political activities and participation in community service has made a lasting difference in their local unions and the lives of all workers in the Upper Peninsula. The years of service they have given and their enthusiasm represents the finest labor values.”

The event continued with a keynote address from Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber. Then, both inductees were honored with plaques detailing their accomplishments over many years of service.

Carlson’s plaque noted her status as a founding member of UPRLF, as well as the organization’s first full-time Field Coordinator. She was also President of Local Union 1613, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. She was the first woman to hold that title.

Thibault was also a founding member of UPRLF, being the federation’s first president. In addition, he was a chair of the Labor Advisory and Planning Committee for over 18 years, and he served for 13 years as the representative for the Upper Peninsula on the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council.

Both honorees wrote brief autobiographical statements for the program, in which they shared some of the memorable moments in their careers.

“Some of my most memorable times were meeting President John Sweeney at the AFL-CIO National Convention in Chicago, attending the AFL-CIO Leadership Academy in Virginia and working with officers and staff at the Michigan AFL-CIO,” Carlson wrote. “UPRLF President, Mike Thibault and I worked closely over the years, moving the UPRLF into a strong and positive future.”

“Some of my favorite work over my career was working with all of the affiliates that belong to the Labor Council and the Regional Labor Federation on various lobbying efforts, organizing rallies, protests and pickets, working with elected representatives on state, county and municipal levels on broad labor issues, and working with all of these parties to bring fairness to working people,” Thibault wrote.

They were honored with state and federal congressional tributes from 109th State Representative Sara Cambensy and Upper Peninsula staff representatives from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, Congressman Jack Bergman and State Sen. Ed McBroom.

Those sending video congratulations included Senator Gary Peters, Congressman Jack Bergman, Fred Redmond (Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO) and Eric Dean (president of International Ironworkers).

Carlson and Thibault expressed gratitude for the honor, and both intend to continue serving their communities.

“I plan to continue my work as an elected official and volunteering my time with St. Vincent de Paul in Negaunee,” Carlson wrote. “I also plan to help with the new UPRLF Executive Board officer transition and participate in campaigns and actions.”

“I am proud and honored to be selected for this recognition and induction,” Thibault wrote. “I have and will always fight for respect and dignity in the workplace.”

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