Laborers Local 42 salutes retiring President Rich McLaughlin, Field Rep./Organizer John Eremita

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Honors Laborers of the Year

OUTGOING PRESIDENT Rich McLaughlin hugs Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Brandon Flinn (left) at McLaughlin’s final union meeting as president of Laborers Local 42. – Labor Tribune photo

By TIM ROWDEN
Editor-in-Chief

St. Louis – Laborers Local 42 saluted retiring President Rich McLaughlin and Field Representative/Organizer John Eremita at its Jan. 24 union meeting, in a program that also included the presentation of the 2023 Laborer of the Year awards.

“We’re here tonight to celebrate two of our remarkable union brothers,” Local 42 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Brandon Flinn said at the start of the meeting. “Both of these men have over 40 years of active service in this local union and decades in leadership positions. They’ve been dedicated family men first, but a close second, they’re damn fine union men and they’ve done a hell of a lot for this local union.”

RICH MCLAUGHLIN
Rich McLaughlin has been a member of Laborers Local 42 for 41 years. He was a rank-and-file member in the field for 16 years and served as an officer in various capacities for 25 years, starting as a job steward in the field, then business agent and moving up the ranks to local president/assistant business manager.

NEWLY RETIRED Laborers Local 42 President Rich McLaughlin (left) and Field Representative/Organizer John Eremita clasp hands at their final union meeting Jan. 24, celebrating their well-earned retirement. – Labor Tribune photo

McLaughlin followed in the footsteps of his father, Thomas McLaughlin, Sr., former president of Local 42, who served as a member and officer of the union local for 54 years.

“This is definitely hard,” McLaughlin said. “Laborers Local 42 is all I’ve known. This will be my last union meeting up at the dais. After 25 years in office and 16 or so in the field, I get to pay retirement dues now.

“This has been a passion for me for a lot of years,” he said. “I want to thank all the brothers and sisters for coming down here tonight. I appreciate all you guys.”

Flinn and McLaughlin have been friends and colleagues for nearly 30 years, and Flinn gave a touching send off to his friend at the union meeting.

LABORERS OF THE YEAR – Laborers Local 42 recently honored six members as “2023 Laborers of the Year.” Recognized for their outstanding dedication to the job and to their union were (seated, from left) retiree Bradley Tabor, Jonathan McEntire, Gerald Fisher, Kelly McMiller, Police Officer of the Year Hazelwood Police Officer William Russ, and retiring President Richard McLaughlin. Honoring them at the Jan. 24 union meeting were (back row standing, from left) President Matthew Andrews, Field Representative/Organizer Simon Glaus, Vice President Brian Watson, Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Brandon Flinn, Director of the Law Enforcement Division David Reagan, retiring Field Representative/Organizer John Eremita, Assistant Business Manager Jeffery Louis, and Auditor Raymond Sarkis III. – Labor Tribune photo

“We go back a long way. This guy is like a brother to me,” Flinn said. “He’s loyal as hell, trustworthy. He lived and breathed this assignment.”

Flinn noted that McLaughlin led the charge to reorganize and prepare Local 42 for the future during hard times and used his vast networking skills to get things done for his members.

“This wasn’t just a job for Rich, he lived and breathed it night and day, day-in and day-out,” Flinn said. “He enjoyed the position because he went to a lot of events, political things. He was involved in the community. He was good at meeting people.

“He had a lot of friends, believe it or not,” Flinn chuckled, “and that helped the local in many instances.

“I love this guy. I’m proud of him. I’m happy for him. He’s a great family man. He gets to spend time with his daughter and his three grandchildren now. And that’s what this is about.”

JOHN EREMITA
John Eremita has 46 years as an active member going back to his time at  Laborers Local 110, Local 53 and finally Local 42.

Eremita served on the executive board of Local 110 and at Local 53. When Local 53 was merged into Local 42, he was immediately brought on as a field representative/organizer in recognition of his years of service and experience.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity they’ve given me to develop my skills. I appreciate the opportunity to take the challenges, assignments and grow professionally. It has been my pleasure to serve all my brothers and sisters of Local 42.

“After 46 years, it’s time for me to spend time with my family and grandchildren. I’m proud to be a member of Local 42. I will miss every one of you.”

 

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