Roger Honeysett UAW 2209 Stationary Engineer My Labor Radio 4 19 2026

In this episode of My Labor Radio, host Mark Givart interviews Roger Honeysett, a retired stationary engineer from UAW Local 2209 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, reflecting on his transformative journey from a production worker in Janesville, Wisconsin, to a skilled tradesperson in a cutting-edge automotive plant. Honeysett recounts how the UAW's collective bargaining agreement enabled him and others to transfer to a new facility in 1986, where they were immersed in a comprehensive training program that emphasized team building, cross-training, and lifelong learning. He details his evolution from a line worker to a quality analyst and eventually to a stationary engineer, highlighting the rigorous apprenticeship process, the importance of tuition assistance, and the value of mentorship. Honeysett shares vivid stories of plant operations, including managing waste treatment, transitioning to landfill gas, and leading critical upgrades to control systems—demonstrating how technical expertise and adaptability were essential to maintaining plant operations. The conversation underscores the dignity of skilled labor, the power of union support, and the long-term benefits of investing in oneself through education and continuous learning.