Jay Bormann oral history interview, December 8, 2011

Item — othertype: Oral History

Identifier: BormannJ_L2012-02

Staff Only

Jay Bormann oral history interview

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Scope and Contents

Interviewed by Traci Drummond. Jay Bormann talks about his father’s involvement with the union and where he and his parents are from. He goes into detail about his father’s work in the union and why the small town in Oregon was conducive to union work. Then, Bormann discusses his early years as an apprentice and how he got involved in the union, specifically Local Lodge 63. He discusses the history of Local Lodge 63 and his roles in various positions with the local. He talks about the 12-day strike from a union member’s point of view as well as from a financial officer’s position. Bormann also talks about switching from District 24 to working as the Director of Guide Dogs of America. Day-to-day activities at Guide Dog of America are explained in this interview. Bormann also touches on retirement and what the most satisfying part of his career was with the Machinists.

Dates

Creation: December 8, 2011

Creator

Bormann, Jay (Interviewee, Person)

Restrictions on Access

Oral history available for research.

Biographical Note

Jay Bormann was born on September 28, 1948 in a small town in Oregon. Bormann was introduced to the union life early on and decided to get involved. He made many contributions to the labor union starting with his apprenticeship at Portland Ironworks. He then goes on, in 1978, to work at Reynolds Aluminum. It was here he joined Local Lodge 63 and got more involved with the union. He served as shop steward, chief steward, auditor, and vice president in Local Lodge 63 and then decided to get involved with District 24. He served as secretary-treasurer in District 24. Bormann then went on to serve as Director of Guide Dogs of America for 10 years until retirement.