Member Minute

Mike Sheridan, 50, was right out of high school when he hired in at General Motors’ Vehicle Manufacturing plant in Janesville, Wis., and joined UAW Local 95. He served as president from 2002 until he retired last year, but that didn’t end his desire to serve. He’s been a state Assembly representative for the 44th District in Janesville since 2004. He was elected to his third term in November and serves as speaker of the house.

Why did you get into politics?

It has everything to do with being involved with the UAW and seeing what that can do to help a community. It’s another type of serving people. The job I have now is representing people and giving back.

How did your leadership role with Local 95 prepare you to be a state Assembly representative?

My UAW Region 4 Director Dennis Williams’ support through the years has been invaluable. My UAW experience also gave me the ability to deal with all kinds of diverse people and training. I tell people I came through the school of hard knocks, the best training you could have. … I was in Washington, D.C., during the auto loan hearings, and I thanked President Ron Gettelfinger for helping me prepare for what I’m doing now.

What are some of the challenges facing workers in Wisconsin?

Jobs. Our plant is sitting idle right now. One of the biggest challenges is making sure people have family-supporting jobs.

What role should the UAW have regarding jobs in your state?

We have set a standard of living, and as we move forward we have to make sure we keep that standard of living. It goes back to creating and protecting jobs. I’m partnering with my UAW representatives now to make sure we’re working toward creating future products for production at GM’s Janesville plant.

Have you sponsored legislation that’s helped working families?

Yes. The very first bill I introduced in my first legislative session was one that would raise the minimum wage for the first time in seven years. The GOP tried to send it back to committee, but we were able to pressure them through the media and get them to agree. I’m now co-sponsoring a bill to promote buying products produced in Wisconsin and the United States.

Joan Silvi