Rockford Labor Leaders Honored

Mel Paris, left, and Don McDonald, right, with Region 4 Director Dennis Williams at the Rockford Labor Recognition Dinner.

Two longtime Local 592 leaders were honored at the Rockford, Ill., Labor Recognition Dinner earlier this year.

Mel Paris and Don McDonald each received the prestigious Walter P. Reuther Distinguished Service Award from then-Region 4 Assistant Director Dennis Williams.

Friends, family, and Rockford Mayor Doug Scott laughed as International Representative Bill Penn recalled McDonald taking the blame for a wildcat strike in 1965 at Sundstrand.

Penn told those gathered that Paris, former president of Local 592, has always been known for his excellent memory of contract language and history.

He noted that Mel’s memory is still relied upon when management doesn’t remember what they agreed to.

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