Laborers Local 110’s Jose Gomez recognized for his work supporting Hispanic/Latino workers, and all workers

BY TIM ROWDEN
Editor-in-Chief

Jose Gomez, Laborers Local 110 vice president and business agent, has received numerous accolades in recent months, including a resolution from the St. Louis Board of Alderman recognizing his advocacy for Hispanic and Latino workers – and all workers in the St. Louis region.

Born in Los Angeles, Calif., to Mexican parents, Gomez moved to St. Louis in 1998 and has served as Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA)’s first Hispanic and Latino business agent, executive board trustee, pension board trustee, welfare board trustee alternate and vice president in LiUNA’s history in Missouri.

The aldermanic resolution, sponsored by Daniela Velázquez (Ward 6) and cosponsored by Anne Schweitzer (Ward 1), recognized Gomez’s exemplary philanthropic record of helping all laborers looking for work, and successfully advocating for funding to a myriad of organizations, including St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the Hispanic Leaders Group, the St. Louis Colombian Society, the Hispanic Bar Association, the Hispanic Scholarship Alliance and the St. Louis Area Food Bank.

Gomez is also a 2023 recipient of the Hispanic Leaders Group of Greater St. Louis (HLG) Premio Esperanza (Hope) Award, which recognizes exceptional individuals who have a record of commitment to the betterment of the Hispanic community over the years through noteworthy contributions.

FIGHTING FOR WORKERS
Gomez took the lead in fighting for Latino H2B visa workers and was the lead negotiator for the Independent Seed, Sod Nursery collective bargaining agreement, and negotiated with independent contractors, health insurance and a retirement pension plan for people working under the Independent Agreement.

Through his work with the International LiUNA Latino Caucus and numerous other organizations, Gomez has been a strong advocate for a diverse, inclusive and cared for workforce in the St. Louis area, and continues his mission of passionately empowering not only Hispanic and Latino workers in St. Louis, but all workers who deserve a stable job, safe working conditions, a livable wage, pride, dignity and ultimately a better life.

“Jose Gomez represents the finest spirit of activism in the St. Louis Hispanic and Latino community,” the resolution states.

OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Gomez was also the recent recipient of the Outstanding Labor Activist Award, recognizing his work, commitment, and dedication to the Hispanic and Latino community.

He has also helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for the Laborers International Latino Caucuses to financially support Latinos running for office, and helped with the financial and institutional support to elect Velázquez, the first Latina alderperson in the City of St. Louis.

Gomez is humble about the awards and recognition, saying he didn’t realize all he had accomplished until it was pointed out to him.

“These awards are really for my union, Local 110, because without the support of the executive board and without the generosity of the members to help financially none of this would have happened,” Gomez said. “To me, those awards are really dedicated to them. It is an honor to be recognized and to have accomplished those things, but the work continues. That’s what we’re here for is to serve the people who are ours.”