Building Trades News

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I met Tony Sanchez a little over 3 ½ years ago when I was a brand new Plasterers’ Local #200 Business Agent.  I had 27 years of field experience, but had no experience in the Labor movement.  Later we were at a meeting in downtown Los Angeles, the press was there, the Governor was there, and the Union Reps were present; I was totally lost.

I saw Tony with some of the Local 600 Cement Masons’ Business Agents, I really didn’t know him, after this big event Tony came up to me and explained what it was all about.  He spoke to me with care and concern; he wanted me to know what was going on.

Tony was much taller than me, over 6 ft. tall; he had to look down at me whenever he spoke with me.  His accent was quite intriguing to me, he was very knowledgeable of the trade and union practices.  Tony’s stature and union knowledge was well above mine, but he always spoke with me face to face and never condescending.  He spoke to me as a brother in the movement for labor and for the good of the members.

I would run into Tony on a few jobs in the Los Angeles area, in all the conversation we had we never strayed from the issues at hand, we were both at the job-sites for Union representation.  Tony had a business like manner about him and zealous emotion for the members he represented.

I am going to miss Tony Sanchez; the Labor Movement will miss him as well.  There is going to be a hole left in our “Union Cause” due to his passing, but a man like Tony has also left a lot of good positive influences that will last a lifetime.

I personally send all my best wishes to Tony’s wife and daughters.  The Plasterers’ Local #200 Agents and staff send all their best wishes to the family as well.
I had some great talks with Tony, even in his suffering; Tony I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye, but I will never forget you.

Tom Warren
Plasterers’ Local #200