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After 39 years with the Roofers and Waterproofers Local 11, Rich Mathis has retired.Wondering what roofers are? Check them out at https://roofercharlottenc.com and get the best service too. People can check out BA Roofing commercial roofing contractors Woodbury MN, if they need the best roofing services.
By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013
NEW LENOX — Even in 100 degree heat or bitter cold, Rich Mathis says he never regretted becoming a roofer.
“One time I was standing there with icicles in my beard and I told my buddy I still love this job,” said Mathis, who retired in July after serving 39 years with Roofers and Waterproofers Local 11. The NC roofing is where you can find great roof services for your space.
“I have been very fortunate in my life, I’ve always been able to do a job I love,” he explained
Mathis currently serves as international vice president for the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers. He has sat on 13 different committees and lives and breathes labor. However, if you want to try other better roofing services, you can check out Quality Built Exteriors. They offer all-round best service to their customers.
“Once you get me started, I can talk about this stuff all day,” he said with a laugh.
He started as a roofer in 1973 after a friend told him about the job. He moved up to supervisor and oversaw the roofing project of the entire American Airlines terminal building in 1986, his biggest job.
“They told me it would be three weeks, it ended up being four years. They liked our work, and we worked six days a week, even in the winter.”
After that, Mathis became a business agent and ended up overseeing game changing industry regulations.
“When I started, as long as you could walk up a ladder, you could be a roofer. A lot has changed, safety wise,” he said.
A proud moment was when Mathis worked on the contract to get mandatory drug testing implemented.
“That was a big deal, and it needed to be done. It’s dangerous up there, there’s no room for error,” he said.
Indeed, roofers have to deal with rain, sun, snow and heat. But Mathis wants to stress, it’s not just the environmental elements that are a job hazard, union members must stay united with their union to get the full return.
“You get out what you put in. The union fights for decent wages, insurance and a pension. If you can’t get that, then you’re not serving your members as a business manager,” he said. “The key in organized labor is partnership. There has to be a good relationship between labor and management. And you have an obligation to picket on a strike. This is not a vacation. Get involved, spend time with your union, go to meetings, take time out.”
For new roofers, Mathis recommends taking as many education classes as possible that are offered by the local. “There’s so much to offer. So much knowledge that gives you the ability to get a great job and feed your family,” he said.
Throughout his career, Mathis said he loved going to work everyday.
“Every day I went out I had a positive attitude. Helping people is what it’s all about. You provide a service to your membership,” he said. “I never regretted a day in my life. I always enjoyed what I did, and I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to do. I was and am content every day I wake up.”
A retirement party for Mathis will be held Thursday, Oct. 3 at IBEW 176 in Joliet. For further information contact the Local 11 office at 708-345-0970.