WASHINGTON - In a highly charged atmosphere, with rumors flying about internal union politics at the AFL-CIO Building Trades Department's Legislative Convention, Martin Maddaloni, general president of the United Association of Plumbers, Pipe Fitters and Sprinkler Fitters, put everything in perspective.

Maddaloni sits on the Building Trades Department's Governing Board of General Presidents. Following are excerpts of his April 16 speech to delegates:

"This movement is bigger than any one individual, it is bigger than all of us that are here on the dais and we must never forget that. Perhaps the most important fundamental principle of organized labor is the concept of solidarity.

"We must not tear apart this building trades of ours. It is the lifeline of all our members. Yes we can have disagreements and we have many. And yes, it takes leadership and commitment to resolve our differences.

"Believe me, when I tell you that we have that commitment and leadership here on the dais, and yes, our house has some maintenance to be done. But I can assure you that everyone on the Governing Board of General Presidents are working together to put our house in order.

"If we stay united, we will prevail. Remember, it's our house, let us not tear it apart from within. There are enough enemies out there. United we stand, divided we fall."