AFL-CIO president says Rich Mathis is the ‘real deal’

Rich Mathis retires

Pat Barcas photo
Rich Mathis, right, said he was humbled by the surprise retirement party held in his honor. He has sat on as many as 13 different committees and currently serves as international vice president for the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers.

By Pat Barcas
Staff Writer
pat@foxvalleylabornews.com.
Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013

JOLIET — Some things you just can’t miss — and Rich Mathis’ retirement party fell into that category for Michael Carrigan, president of the Illinois AFL-CIO. Carrigan elected to skip a playoff game of his beloved St. Louis Cardinals just to attend the festivities.

“I got a call from a friend of mine today saying he had tickets to the game, but I said I had to be here for Rich,” said Carrigan Oct. 3 as he wished Mathis a happy retirement from Roofers and Waterproofers Local 11.

Mathis served 39 years before retiring this summer and his party attracted more than 100 well wishers, including Carrigan, Tom Villanova, president of the Cook County Building Trades and Kinsey Robinson, international president of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers.

“Rich is the real deal, the complete package and I want to say thank you for your service,” said Carrigan.

Mathis said he wants to spend his retirement golfing, traveling, and riding his Harley. If he wants to hone his golfing skills to showcase it during his retirement years, he can visit sites which may discuss topics like backing for better image quality.

He also wants to stay active as an international vice president of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers.

During the party at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 176 in Joliet, Mathis had some advice for workers new to the trade.

“There’s two people you don’t want to lie to: one is God and the other is your business agent. If you have to choose one, choose God, He’ll forgive you,” he said.

“You never lie to your business agent. You want to work with him in the trades. And you want to work well with all the other trades, that’s been very important in my career, working with other people, and you have to continue to have relationships with the building trades all throughout the country.”

Mathis said it’s often faster to communicate issues and problems before taking them up with the mediation board.

“You can get a lot done just by meeting with people, breaking bread, and going to the golf outings. That’s what they’re there for. People appreciate questions and they’ll talk to you. Get problems resolved before you get to the job site. That’s the key to success. Work together,” he said.

President Robinson said the International Union owes Mathis greatly for his service over the years.

“We will always remember Rich for his faithful service, his great skills, and his keen sense of leadership direction. We are deeply indebted to him and appreciate his 39 years of service,” said Robinson.

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