September 1st is set to be a bittersweet day for our Local 2 family. Earlier this month, President Tom Mulholland, announced that after 35 years of service (11 and a half as president) he is retiring from our union.
“We’re really going to miss him. Tom is a great leader and friend and has done so much behind the scenes to help our local. His retirement is well-deserved, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude.” says Local 2 Business Manager, Jim Cassidy.
Prior to his career as an insulator, Tom served 8 years in the United States Air Force (4 years active duty and 4 years reserve). Before he joined the military, he had his introduction into the building trades, working in construction without union affiliation or representation.
“This is what gave me a tremendous appreciation for the wages and benefits of Local 2” said Mulholland about his early years working on non-union jobs.
It would take a novel to convey Tom’s contributions to our local, so here are a few mentions:
- As President, he represented Local 2 at three Quinquennial International Conventions.
- He took pride in chairing our union meetings and helping to maintain a tradition of excellence and decorum set by our past leaders.
- Throughout his time, Mulholland served on numerous contract negotiating committees, fighting for our members to receive better wages and benefits. He believed that it was our contract that was the greatest benefit separating Local 2 Insulators from our non-union counterparts.
“Organizing has many highs and lows, but I know that we are on the side of righteousness and are always fighting for all workers in our industry.” added Mulholland.
Tom’s list of accomplishments include passing on his vast knowledge of the trade as an educator. With his certificate in labor education from the National Labor College, he served as an instructor for asbestos abatement, OSHA and ICRA classes. Mulholland was the first insulator to be an adjunct professor at the National Labor College that taught other instructors techniques for teaching adult learners.
With just days left before Mulholland hangs up his hard hat, we asked him to reflect on his career and what he’ll miss most about being Local 2 President.
“It’s still too fresh to give a definitive answer but I’ll say this: I love my job and my Local 2 family. I think I may be in mourning for a while with this transformation in my life. And although I am retiring from my job, I am still a member of the Local 2 family until the day I die.” says Mulholland.
He’s had many duties as a leader but found that swearing in new members may have been the most rewarding part of his job. It meant a great deal to him to bring new members into our Local 2 family.
“I can’t help but remember the day I got sworn in to the local and my father-in-law (Bud Killmeyer) was there to watch, and he told me that one day I could be up on that Dias. And so, when I swear new members in, I am always wondering who the future leaders will be. We all started the same way, and I will always be grateful for the trust given to me by our members.”
President Mulholland was adamant that his successes at Local 2 were achieved with a great deal of help, support and trust from his amazing family, friends and union brothers and sisters.
“There are way too many people for me to thank that helped me on my way to this milestone. I hope you know who you are. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” said Mulholland.