G. Robert Vincent Voice Library
Lansing Auto Town Gallery

Richard (Dick) Sanborn discusses his career as a production worker and UAW Local 602 President at the Fisher Body plant in Lansing, MI

Dick talks about being raised on a farm and being hired in May 1955 while on strike at REO Motor Works. He describes being scared and lost on the first day and finding the work "back breaking." Dick talks about having lead poisoning, the swing shift, commuting, pranks, long hours, and unemployment. He describes his union activity working his way up from committeeman to Bargaining Chair to local union President. Dick talks about meeting Walter Reuther and going to Black Lake.

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