Pudge Dawson started working at McKinnon's industries in 1938 until he retired in 1976. In 1973 Pudge made a speech at the opening ceremony of the New Union Hall and again at our 50th anniversary. Following is a copy of the speech which offers some perspective of the working conditions in the plant.

"As Time Goes By"

By Pudge Dawson - September 1st 1973

"Nearly 40 Years ago, a handful of spirited and dedicated workers resolved to build a union, and to work with their fellow men. This building is living proof of one of their many accomplishments"

In 1973, as a member of the Executive Board of Local 199 U.A.W., I was assigned the task of making arrangements for the dedication ceremony of the opening of our new union hall. The above words were written by me to commemorate that memorable occasion. I cannot think of words more appropriate to tie in with the 50th anniversary of our union. These words are enshrined in bronze in the main foyer of the Union Hall as a tribute to the workers of the past.

As time goes by, it becomes increasingly harder to recollect and convert into words the trials and hardships we older workers had to endure to help make a better future for those that follow.

I grew up in Toronto during the depression era and I came to General Motors in St. Catharines in 1938 at the age of 19. It was the first full time job of my life. My starting wage was 45 cents per hour. A low figure by today's standards but at that time, it was a princely sum because in those days, one had to survive. I was assigned to the Foundry Core Room and I spent my entire G.M. working career there until my retirement in 1976. It was rough, dirty and smoky. The gas from the hot iron, the ovens and baked cores had your eyes watering steadily. Your ears and teeth ached. The heat was unbearable. It was just plain miserable. Many of the workers actually passed out.

Along with the terrible working conditions, we had no medical coverage, no pension rights, no grievance procedure, we had nothing but a job.

It was no miracle, no stroke of luck that we gained what we have today. The stalwarts of our union; the Lamberts', the Burts' and the Reuthers' finally convinced G.M. that our union was here to stay.

It has been a long, rough, rocky road but Local 199 has preserved.

May our union still strive for more and better things for all of us. May the future bring the ultimate in wages and working conditions so that workers everywhere can enjoy the fruits of a happy and prosperous life.

Pudge Dawson
September 1, 1973

It is our responsibility not to forget the workers like Pudge Dawson that have passed before us.

People Like Pudge Dawson fought and struggled not just for themselves, but so we could all benefit.

Peter Scott

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