Politics is very personal for laid-off Lear worker
The 2008 Democratic National Convention was historic for many, including Robin Golden of Grand Rapids, Mich. – one of the UAW's own – who had the privilege to speak.
In his Aug. 26 remarks, Golden gave a personal account of how trade legislation isn't just a headline but a reality that touched him personally. He has become somewhat of a poster child of the derailed U.S. economy.
Since 1998 Golden had worked at Lear Corp. as an assembly line inspector. He's served as UAW Local 2344 president since 2006.
And he was one of the last to be laid off when their jobs were outsourced to Mexico. His last day was Sept. 5, the week after he spoke at the convention.
"I, for one, am ready for a change," he said.
When Barack Obama campaigned in Grand Rapids in February, he was looking for real people who had lost their jobs because of unfair trade agreements. Obama not only wanted to meet them, but he also wanted to have them share their stories with the rest of the country.
Golden was asked to introduce Obama at a campaign event, and he hasn't stopped campaigning for change since that day.
Golden said he's not shy about his political beliefs and didn't over-think the opportunity to speak in front of a big convention crowd.
"It felt right in my bones, the core of me, to be there telling my story with other people who have come out of this economy's downside badly beaten up, but with my spirit unbroken," said Golden, adding: "I'm ready to take this fight to Washington for change. Change in trade laws. Change in commitment to rebuilding America's broken middle class. Change in how America is run and who's running it."
Luckily for Golden, his wife, Steevigh Cwayna, is a Michigan Education Association (MEA) member, who works at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) in the Library Acquisitions Department. Her on-campus union is the GRCC-ESP (Educational Support Professionals).
"We're in a much better position because my wife has MEA union benefits. It makes all the difference in the world," Golden said.
Trade isn't just a concept for Golden, his Local 2344 brothers and sisters, and the more than 2.3 million others who have lost jobs or been displaced since President Bush took office. According to an Economic Policy Report released July 31, that included 366,000 workers in 2007.
"We need to tell Washington that they can revive our economy by giving companies incentives for investing in this country. American companies deserve to have a level playing field in this global economy," he said.
Golden has a message for workers who aren't organized.
"Because we have a UAW contract, the company has a responsibility to bargain with us. If it weren't for the UAW, I would be in a lot worse shape. And if we get the right president and Congress in there, we can turn this thing around and start doing right by this country."
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