More than 800 friends, family and well-wishers came together June 22 to honor Joe Sposita, who is set to retire later this year after 48 years of working as a plumber, as a union officer for Local 98 and as a representative for the International Union of Plumbers, Pipe Fitters and Sprinkler Fitters.

The salute to Sposita was held at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, and included his wife Lois and sons Joe Jr. and Tony. There were references aplenty to Joe's Italian heritage, numerous accomplishments, good sense of humor and his potential post-retirement career as a singer.

"Tonight, Joe is Detroit's favorite son," said UA International President Martin Maddaloni. "Joe is one of the finest labor leaders in the country, a tireless fighter for the members and their families. Thanks, Joe, for all you have done over the years for the United Association."

Sposita began his apprenticeship in Local 98 in 1952. He was elected to the local's Executive Board in 1964, was elected business representative in 1967; then business manager in 1974. The economy had its ups and downs during the 15 years Sposita worked as business manager for Local 98, but generally, there was a good deal of unemployment. From 1985 to 1989, Sposita served as President of The Greater Detroit Building and Construction Trades Council, and helped put together project labor agreements for construction of the Mazda Plant in Flat Rock, the

Chrysler Technology Center in Auburn Hills, the GM Poletown and Lake Orion plants, as well as projects at the Ford Rouge and Rouge Steel.

"Joe has been an outstanding leader in Local 98 and in the United Association, and he's built a lot of friendships over the years," said Local 98 Business Manager Gary Young, the master of ceremonies. "The 800 people in this room are proof of that." Among them were former Gov. Jim Blanchard, who said "there were a lot of construction workers who wouldn't have had a job if it weren't for Joe Sposita."

Despite the occasional need to call for picketing and other labor actions over the years, Sposita never lost his good reputation among contractors as a fair and honorable adversary when it came to bargaining or fighting for members.

"You've worked with us for nearly 50 years, and it's been a great union-contractor relationship," said Pete Green of the John E Green Co. "You've worked for a great union, and we appreciate all you've done."

In 1989, Sposita was assigned by then-UA President Marvin Boede to represent the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin for the International Union, and in 1997, Maddaloni assigned him to represent the State of Michigan.

Sposita came back to a difficult job in Michigan, as he and UA international reps across the country were given the wrenching task of consolidating local unions. Pat Devlin, secretary-treasurer of The Greater Detroit Building and Construction Trades Council, served as president of the Michigan State Pipe Trades Association during that period of consolidation.

"Joe had to make some very, very difficult decisions concerning the consolidation of local unions during his time here in Michigan, and a lot of what happened wasn't received very well," Devlin told a convention of the state pipe trades earlier in the week during the state pipe trades convention. "But whatever you think about the merging of locals, I don't think anyone in this room could have handled himself with the dignity and class Joe exhibited during that rough time."

Sposita will be in office until the end of the year. Earlier in the week, Maddaloni announced that Tom McNamara, business manager of Sprinkler Fitters Local 704, would replace him as Michigan's UA representative.

"I can't help but think of the good life the UA has given us over the years," Sposita said. "There have been many challenges over the years, many tough times, but we always seemed to come out OK. As long as unions have had the kind of friendships we've had with our contractors, no one can beat us. For all building trade union workers the most important thing that I have learned over the years is that if we stay together, we will prosper and continue to provide good jobs in this country."

A UNITED ASSOCIATION plaque recognizing the work of retiring International Union Rep. Joe Sposita, second from left, is presented by UA General Pres. Martin Maddaloni. Flanking them are Plumbers Local 98 Business Manager Gary Young and UA Secretary-Treasurer Thomas Patchell.