Bob Murray
City and State: Staten Island, NY.
Current Company and Position: Local Union No.1 Business Agent of Staten Island.
Family: Grandson of James and Nora Murray of County of Mayo, Ireland and Son of Patricia and Thomas Murray of the Bronx.
First Job: Initiated in 1985 to Local 371 in Staten Island where he worked as an Apprentice for four years. He graduated in 1989 and served on all boards starting as inside guard, examining board, financial board and eventually executive board. In 1997 Local 371 merged with Local 1 and Local 2 where they became a 5800-member local. He again rose through the ranks as a shop steward on the biggest jobs in NYC.
What it taught me: Starting as a plumber apprentice, you learn fast that effort isn’t optional. If you don’t show up on time, don’t pay attention, or cut corners, it shows immediately - in your work, your reputation, and how much people trust you. You also learn patience, because you’re at the bottom at first, doing the less prestigious jobs and slowly building skill.
Best advice you could give someone starting out: “work hard and learn your trade” to “be someone people can rely on, because others depend on what you do.”
Who is your hero and why? My father is my hero because he helped build the foundation I stand on—my work ethic, my sense of right and wrong, my resilience. He showed up, he carried weight, and he shaped me into who I became.
Biography: Robert Murray, son of Patricia and Thomas Murray, was born in the Bronx and raised in Staten Island. In 1985, he was initiated into Local 371, where he completed a four-year apprenticeship program. After graduating, he steadily rose through the ranks, serving as an Inside Guard, and later on the Examining Board, Financial Board, and Executive Board.
Following the 2002 merger of Local 371 with Local 1 and Local 2, Robert took on the role of Organizer, a position he held for seven years. In 2009, he was elected Business Agent, a role in which he continues to serve, now marking over 25 years of dedicated leadership and service.
During his tenure, he served as Bronx Board President for 10 years and was recognized as a Labor Leader during Bronx Week by Borough President Ruben Diaz. In 2019, he was again honored as a Labor Leader by the Liberty Democrats.
Robert currently serves as President of the Staten Island Plumbers Club and is a member of the Staten Island Board of Business Agents Executive Board. He is also a proud advocate for diabetes awareness.
Throughout his career, he has attended more than six National Conventions and was appointed Sergeant-at-Arms for five of them—an honor reflecting the respect he has earned among his peers.
