G. Robert Vincent Voice Library
Lansing Auto Town Gallery

Dorothy Stevens discusses her pioneering career as a production worker and member of the UAW Bargaining Committee at the Fisher Body plant in Lansing, MI

Dorothy tells about being hired in December 1952. She describes the brutal work, working conditions, the swing shift, lack of relief and the disparate treatment of women including lower pay and no restrooms. Dorothy also tells about being the first woman to exercise her contractual rights to transfer to a better paying job. She tells of participating in wildcat strikes over the lack of basic necessities like gloves, fountains and fans. Dorothy talks about being elected to the committee and being the lone woman in the male dominated environment. She comments on building the union hall, the need for unions, and her political activity in retirement.

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