I'm Sticking To The Union

I fell in love with my husband because of his beautifully large and giving heart. Nearly twenty-five years later, he still impresses me with his "get up and do...get up and give" attitude in the community. I'd like to share a story, about him and other giving souls, with you today.

Matt is the Business Manager for Tacoma's Roofers Union Local #153. Back in February he received a call at work from Cecile Reider, looking for help for a friend of hers in University Place. It seems the friend had hired a non-union roofing contractor to tear-off her old roof and put on a new one. They entered into a signed agreement in November of 2008. The homeowner was asked to pay before work was started and did so.

The old roof was removed, along with the pipe boots and the metal wall flashings around the chimney. The roof deck was inspected for damage and the plywood sheathing (one sheet) was replaced. New felt paper was applied over the plywood decking and the contractor was to return for the installation of the new shingle roof and the other necessary material that had been removed.

When the roofing contractor returned, the old roofing material was cleaned-up and removed from the property. The homeowner asked when the new shingles would be applied...and was informed that the job was finished. Exit one contractor, leaving the homeowner to cover the exposed roof with tarps before the storms of the winter. The family residence took a beating, with extensive damage to the interior aggravating medical conditions.

After hearing the story, Matt called Pabco Roofing Industries and received a promise of donated shingles; Pioneer Building Supplies promised roofing accessories and Bosnick Roofing Inc. (a union roofing contractor) gave plywood sheathing and equipment. Matt put the word out to the union journeyman roofers and apprentices from Local #153...he needed their time and labour.

Gary Bruce, Paul Hoffer, John Reyes, Dennis Merritt, Jeff Haley, Greg Benson, Bob Smiley, Matt Stanglend, Laine Ruscin and Kili Eagletail volunteered to pitch-in. They removed all of the felt paper, re-inspected the roof deck and replaced several more sheets of damaged plywood before applying the new roofing material. The property was then cleaned and all the roofing debris removed by the volunteer crew.

Union roofers take pride in their professional work and pride in their community. A call went out in the neighbourhood and was answered. Now a family is safe in their home, with renewed faith in humanity. Cecile Reider is an incredible friend and neighbour who began the wave of good works. Good for you Cecile! A big thank you to all who worked so hard, with pride in their jobs and companies. Now this is a story (there's more to it) that should be picked up by the local news media.

Today my beloved husband is celebrating his 56th. birthday. Happy Birthday honey...I love you and I'm so proud of everyone involved. Here's to the Union Roofers, shops and supply companies...and to good neighbours. Bravo!