Parag, Joe, 2011 April 22
Scope and Contents
Interviewed by Kemper Elliott. Parag details the various jobs he held and the various duties of these jobs during his employment at the Chrysler plant from his hiring on January 21, 1965, to his end of employment on December 31, 2008. He discusses various aspects of plant relations among workers such as the surge in gender and race relations, politics, religion, and the overall “brotherhood” of the plant employees. Use of alcohol and drugs throughout by workers on the job that he witnessed throughout his employment is discussed as well as other plant activities such as informal food markets and the selling of various goods. He describes the introduction of new machinery and technology in the plant and how this changed work. He discusses the union’s role and relationship with management and their role in the workers contracts. Plant safety and occupational dangers are also discussed. He details his thoughts on the plant closing and the options he was given when it closed. Family life and the difficulties of working at the plant and having a family is also discussed.
Dates
- Creation: 2011 April 22
Biographical / Historical
Worked at the Chrysler plant from January 21, 1965, until December 31, 2008, and held positions on the assembly line (installing stone shields) and in the chassis pool. He also worked as a scheduler, driver, and heavy repair person.
Repository Details
Part of the University of Delaware Library Special Collections Repository