By DON McINTOSH
Lambert, 44, has a PhD in genetics but would rather work on the roof than be in a class. He joined Roofers’ Local 49 on May 22 as an organizer/field representative.
Lambert was poor as a child and did not have any hopes of success. “The only good thing about me was that I liked to get into trouble.”
He was 12 years old when his car, which was on its way to Arizona from British Columbia where he had been born, broke down.
When he found out that he’d be a dad at age 21, he decided to put his life into order.
“In roofing I discovered something that I am good at and something of which I’m proud.”
He was left to raise his child alone, as the construction work required long hours. He decided to go to college after saving up a large amount of money. He continued to roof during summers so that family could take care of his daughter.
In molecular science, he earned his bachelor’s from Portland State University. He also holds a masters from Washington State University. He earned his doctorate in 2017 and received a fellowship from Oregon Health and Science University.
Lambert believes that this is when the disillusionment began. He recalls: “I thought fondly about roofing all the time I did this. … I loved being a biologist but I really missed roof-topping. Even when it was not mandatory, during my graduate studies, I went roofing in the summer to the dismay and frustration of my Ph.D. advisors.”
He was aware that he had felt out of his element in school. It’s like the times he would show up filthy after work. Nobody ever spoke to him. All of it was in his mind. He felt comfortable on the roof.
I love being outside. It’s great to work with guys. It takes a good sense of humor to roof well for many years. Roofers are my friends. Roofers are my friends. The nature of my job is appealing. Working with my hands is fun, but being active also appeals to me. “This is an excellent combination of both physical activity and skilled craftsmanship.”
The Local 49 union contract provides for journeymen roofers to earn up to $38.78 per hour, plus benefits. They are predominantly employed in flat roofing commercial sectors.
Lambert will be reporting to Travis Hopkins, the business manager. He will help prepare them for the master contract renewal in July 2024. They want to make sure that members are involved in the plan and ensure even better terms than they were before. It is not possible to achieve good contracts overnight, but by systematically organizing a union. Lambert’s job includes recruiting non-union employees and employers and helping Hopkins enforce the contract.
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