Creative Apparel: ‘Looking to expand if given a chance’

Creative Apparel is one of the few cut-and-sew factories left in the area. What keeps them in business is a federal law that all military uniforms must be made in the country. Among its employees are members of the Passamaquoddy Tribe.

The Indian Township factory is the second largest employer in the county. They would love to expand, if given the opportunity.

Maine Congressmen Tom Allen and Mike Michaud visited the factory during their tour of Washington County Thursday.

There are around 100 sewing stations in a large room, the repetitive sound of the sewing machines echoing throughout. Workers – mostly women – each work on a small part of each pair of trousers, cutting fabric or sewing pockets.

A bell rang at 9 a.m., and all the sewing machines were abandoned. It’s break time, and not one worker was to remain at his or her station, Plant Manager Leslie Nicholas said.

For as much as political decisions affect these workers, not too many were engaged. I stopped at three break tables without success.

“I don’t know anything about politics,” one worker told me. Another said: “I don’t vote.”

This is why making these trips is important, Allen said. He went to one table and told them about his Senate campaign, and how he sought to bring more jobs. When I went back, the mood had lifted. They planned to vote for Allen.

“I like him,” one woman said. Another woman added, “Very much so.”

Gilda Cronin of Baring is one of the few factory workers who does pay attention to politics. She’s worked at the factory for seven years. She said she leans toward Democrats.

“(Democrats) seem to be for the lower-middle class and the poor more than the Republicans,” she said.

Allen’s visit didn’t quite convince her, though.

“Susan Collins has done quite a bit for the area,” she said. “I’ll tend to stay with her.”

Workers at Creative Apparel start at $7.25, with the opportunity to make incentives with the more they produce. Nicholas knows them all by name.

“We have some ladies here who make pretty close to $1,000 a week,” Nicholas told Allen and Michaud.

During the tour, a young woman accented cargo pockets. Next to her, an elderly woman cut fabric. She explained to the congressmen that she couldn’t retire just yet because of the Medicare laws. She said she is frustrated with the current administration.

Allen told her about his Senate bid. “People ought to be able to get into Medicare before they are 65,” Allen assured her.

After Allen and Michaud’s visit, Nicholas stepped outside. It’s less than 20 degrees, but he needs a break from the clanking of sewing machines – the workers wear headphones on the job.

His sentiment is like many others’ in the area. He wants politicians who will put emphasis on bringing jobs to the Northern part of Maine.

“People want to see more in this area,” Nicholas said. “It’s a diverse area, and we are a factory and company that is looking to expand if given a chance.”

But, “We don’t have no voice because of what’s going on in the South.”

Most of his gripes are above the heads of Michaud and Allen – in fact he approves of the job they have done, along with Sens. Olympia Snowe and Collins. For him, the most important issue is the delegation’s ability to work together as a group.

“Susan Collins has done an excellent job keeping businesses here up and running,” Nicholas said. “There are rough decisions out there that have to be made.”

Among those tough decisions are the trade agreements such as the National Free Trade Agreement, which many attribute to the downfall of Maine mills and factories.

It’s too soon for him to tell who he supports. He’ll likely back a Democrat for president. For the Maine Senate seat, he does not know yet. He said he will encourage his employees to vote, but he won’t dictate who they should support.

Politicians don’t pay attention to the area. Sometimes when they do visit it’s all for show, Nicholas said. Thursday’s visit was different – he said he felt Allen showed a sincere interest in the area.

“We want work, we want employment, we want development,” Nicholas said. “We’re proud of who we are. (The visit) made me see that maybe we’re starting to get looked at and listened to.”

He later added: “It’s not all about the southern part of Maine. Let us prove to them we’re just as equal.”

Note: This is part of a series of stories done while following Congressmen Tom Allen and Mike Michaud around Washington County this week. See also:

Political views in Washington County: A 4-story series

Trade deals, border issues irk former mill workers

Acrobat Research brings jobs to Calais

Tribal interests at stake in national elections