Interview Transcript:
Sebastien Sheldon: For today’s audio interview I’m here with Jim Stabler, who is a former worker of the GE plant in Peterborough. So Jim, tell me about your relationship with John.
Jim Stabler: Well I met John in 1980. I transferred to the building he worked in. John and I became friends right away, as he and I both rode motorcycles to work, and he impressed me with his dedication to the health conditions in GE. And I later got behind him at union meetings, in his attempt to get action.
Sebastien: So, what was the quality in him that impressed you the most?
Jim: Well, John spent hours of unpaid time studying the health issues of us workers, and when the injuries became obvious he wouldn’t let it get swept under the rug. John fought a lot of battles and finally people realized they were in danger.
Sebastien: And what impact do you believe that John’s work had on achieving justice for those workers who had been injured?
Jim: Well, you could contact John at any time and he would make you feel like somebody was on your side. John would call me at home and we would spend an hour or more talking things over, and we were both long winded. I miss John, and I often thought if anybody deserved the Order of Canada, John did. He was a real hero.
Sebastien: Mhmm. Well Jim, it’s been wonderful having the opportunity to hear you speak on this, thank you so much for your time.
Jim: Thanks for calling me.
End of Interview