43
Robert Morales remembers his dad
On Robert Morales’ desk is a certificate of recognition for 20 years of service to General Motors and the United Auto Workers. Without having an autoworker father, Morales, 46, doesn’t know if he would have that certificate or the title as president of UAW Local 1714. “I’ve been elected four different times,” he said. “I think [my dad] would be very proud. I learned a lot through my dad. I am proud to say that I had the opportunity to know him.” It’s a story of the Mahoning Valley. Generations of blue-collar workers have followed in their father’s footsteps. Together they produced steel, built cars and fabricated metal for various industries.
