Many have ended their working years with us, leaving an indelible mark in ALMA. Now it is the turn of Carlos Rivera, our welding mechanic, who after 14 years is saying goodbye by making use of the Exceptional Union Quota Retirement Agreement for workers over 60 years of age. This is the first case of retirement in our observatory that will have uncapped severance pay.
“You had to be brave to be here,” recalls Carlos of his early days at ALMA. In 2008 he joined as a contractor and, as he says, “at that time the work was heavy. Not now”. He also recalls that at that time he would leave immediately for the AOS, after arriving for shift and lunch, working until nightfall. And at 5,000 meters “there was no oxygen, there was nothing. When it was snowing, I would do maintenance on the generators, because it could not stop”, he says.
Carlos began his career as a welding mechanic at the age of 15. And after several jobs in different regions, he collaborated in the transport company of the man who would later become ALMA’s manager. He called Carlos to join. “‘OK,’ I told him, ‘I’m going to give it a try. If I like it, I’ll stay.'”
Since then he has provided us with his ingenuity and his famous “machinas”, tools with which he facilitates his work. This is how he made sheds and several improvements that today are part of the OSF.
“He is a great person and a hard worker. I highlight his quality as a welder, and his willingness to be always available to help,” says Rolando Olivos, Infrastructure Maintenance Group (IMG) Manager.
Words to which Juan Millar, Engineer II of the Infrastructure Maintenance Group adds: “The few activities we developed together were very enriching, he is a person very predisposed to teach. I wish him the best in this new stage of his life. A big hug, old man”.
He certainly created many bonds with colleagues after so many years of shifts together. “The co-workers are the second family that one has,” says Carlos.
Still, he leaves happy. “I am grateful to ALMA for giving me the opportunity to work here. I’m grateful to all my co-workers and to the management, who were good to me,” says Carlos. And he also thanks the union leaders and ALMA for having been the first to be awarded the Exceptional Union Quota Retirement Agreement for workers over 60 years of age.
Congratulations and thank you very much Carlos!
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Una persona que tiene bien ganado el adjetivo Maestro!!! Se le va a extranar al viejo…
Tengo suerte de compartir con el MAESTRO CARLOS día a día, estamos juntos desde el principio y pocas veces he visto tanto cariño y admiración hacia una persona como ha pasado con el, lo extrañaremos mucho, su alegría, su ingenio, pero sobre todo sus consejos y sus interminables historias, un abrazo y éxito en todo lo que viene, querido amigo!
Éxito en todo Don Carlos!!!! Que gusto haberlo conocido, una gran persona!! El lunes 24 andaré por allá e iré a despedirme en persona!!!
Me temo que no he tenido el placer de conocer a Carlos, pero tiene pinta de ser un grande. ¡Todo lo mejor en su jubilación!
Mis mejores deseos maestro Carlos en esta nueva etapa!, Sin duda no olvidare su buena disposicion a ayudar cuando se lo pediamos y su calidad de persona.
Quedara para siempre en mi memoria cuando le pedi un “sincel’ para arreglar un circuito!
Un gran abrazo a la distancia, fue un gusto haberlo conocido y compartido con usted.