Miller Dial Employee of 63 Years
Takes Temporary Leave of Absence
April 1, 2010 - EL MONTE — Jack Lira, who is 83 years old, will be taking a temporary leave of absence from his position at Miller Dial, based in El Monte, CA. This is Jack's second extended leave of absence in 63 years of employment at Miller Dial. The last time Jack was granted a leave from his tenure at Miller Dial was for military service during the Korean War. He was on leave from October 3, 1952 until his return on November 8th, 1954.
Jack's first day at Miller Dial was on August 5, 1946. He paid an employment agency $10 to get the job back in 1946. His first assignment was racking sheets off the press. He has since moved to different stations, working the etching press and lab processing—among other jobs.
In 2006, Miller Dial honored Jack with a huge celebration for 60 years of employment. At the conclusion of the party Jack was ceremoniously refunded the $10 fee he paid to get the job, plus interest for 60 years.
"I never liked to change jobs," Lira said. "I wasn't a drifter." Lira's 63-year employment history stands out even in a company that prides itself on the dedication and employment longevity.
All of Jack's associates at Miller Dial cannot wait for him to get back to work. "We are eager to have him back", says Jim Kaldem, President of Miller Dial, "this place is just not the same without him, and besides, he is our official greeter".
It will take some adjustment for the Miller Dial team to work without Jack. "The Miller Dial team has faced this challenge before when Jack served his country in Korea. We'll just have to find a way to get by until Jack returns", says Rick Traynor, Jack's supervisor.