Union of Operating Engineers,
FALL NEWSLETTER 2023
C.I.O.
BRANCH OFFICE 3801 JEFFERSON DAVIS HIGHWAY RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23234
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ALS 147, 147-A, 147-B, AL 147-C, 147-D, 147-R
CH SA SH I RE • M AS
Robert “Mike” Kowalski Business Agent
Jerry Conner
Business Agent
EW BENEFITS
members and retirees now have new benefits at NO COST TO YOU. ed with American Income Life Insurance Company, a 100% union for more than 50 years.
eath and Dismemberment Benefit 500 – Member & Retiree
ERY MEMBER AND RETIREE TO RETURN ED CARD TO RECEIVE YOUR CERTIFICATE DESIGNATE YOUR BENEFICIARY. designate your beneficiary, the $2,500 would aid to your estate and may be taxable.
receive a HEALTH SERVICES DISCOUNT CARD for your family discounts of 20 – 60% on:
ptions • Vision Care/Products g Care • Chiropractic Care ptional discount dental is available.
mber of OPEIU Local 277, will call on you to witness your beneficiary r no-cost benefits. AIL has other supplemental insurance programs, n – Buy Union,” available strictly on a voluntary basis. If you have ome Life Insurance Company at 1-800-495-1213 or Vivian Dwyer at
Training Programs SPOTLIGHT
LOCAL 877
FALL NEWSLETTER 2023 3 Business Manager’s Report 4 Training Programs Spotlight 6 Recent Contract Wins 7 Golf Tournament 10 Resources for IUOE Members 11 877 Store Health Benefits
Benesys
OurBenefitOffice.com/ IUOE877and70/Benefits
(781) 769-5789
Medical Coverage
Health Plans Inc.
HPITPA.com
(800) 532-7575
Dental Coverage
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA
BlueCrossMA.org
(800) 358-2227
Prescription Drugs
OptumRx
OptumRx.com
(855) 295-9140
Mental Health & Substance Abuse
Modern Assistance Programs
ModernAssistance.com
(800) 878-2004
Vision Coverage
National Vision Administrators
E-NVA.com
(800) 672-7723
Hearing Aid Coverage
TruHearing
TruHearing.com/ IUOE877_70
(833) 898-1233
Short Term Disability
The Health & Welfare Fund office (effective 1/1/2024!)
OurBenefitOffice.com/ IUOE877and70/Benefits
(781) 769-5789
Long-Term Disability
Reliance Standard Life
RelianceStandard.com
(800) 351-7500
Life Insurance
Reliance Standard Life
RelianceStandard.com
(800) 351-7500
Annuity Fund
Principal Financial Group
Principal.com
(800) 986-3343
Pension
Central Pension Fund
CPFIUOE.org
(202) 362-1000
2 I U O E 8 7 7 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R
Business Manager’s Report Brothers and Sisters, I trust that you and your families have enjoyed watching the leaves turn this season. As winter approaches, I want to take this opportunity to highlight some of our union successes and events. We are thrilled to share news of a recent win for Covanta Haverhill. Read more about their successful
As we look ahead to the holidays,
nal Union of O unionization on page 6.
I encourage you to enjoy each
The Local 877 Training Center offers
moment with your family and f riends.
many different learning opportunities
Your ongoing commitment is what
throughout the year. Read more about
truly shapes our union, and for that,
recent training sessions and how
we are sincerely grateful.
LOCALS 147, 147-A, 147-B, 14 AL
to stay in the loop for future course offerings on pages 4-5.
It is my pleasure to announce that the 22nd Annual Scholarship Fund
were able to attend the rain date and partake in a wonderful day of golf. Read page 7-9.
877
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more about this well-attended event on
Business Manager & President
V
Thank you to all of our members who
Mike Cannistraro
E R M O NT
Golf Tournament was a great success.
C O L
In Solidarity,
•N
I U O E 8 7 7 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R 3
E
Training Programs Spotlight In a rapidly evolving industry with
course is being offered, the information
new technology emerging every day,
gets posted on the union’s website
it’s essential to access up-to-date
and sometimes ends up in this very
instruction and periodically refresh
newsletter as well! Keep an eye out
your knowledge. With IUOE Local
for training program updates, or give
877’s training programs, members
IUOE Local 877 a call at (781) 769-1877 to
can do just that. Safety and standards
inquire about specific program offerings.
are the cornerstones of Local 877.
On a recent Saturday in October, the
North America Technician Excellence
Local 877 Training Center held three
(NATE) Certification, HVAC training,
trainings simultaneously: NATE CHP-5
facilities maintenance training,
Certification with Jack Mucciarone, a
and controls training are just a
seminar on controls, actuators, and
few programs offered at the Local
valves with PJ Qvarnstrom from Belimo,
877 Training Center. When a new
and facilities maintenance training.
4 I U O E 8 7 7 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R
“
OUR STAFF AND INSTRUCTORS ARE INCREDIBLE, AND I COULD NOT DO THIS WITHOUT THEM. PEOPLE SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE PROGRAMS.”
One of the most significant advantages
“Our staff and instructors are incredible,
of participating in courses with Local
and I could not do this without them.
877 is the opportunity to take the course
People should take advantage of these
at a minimal cost and possibly even be
programs,” said Mucciarone about the
reimbursed by your employer. “Belonging
professionalism and advantages of
to Local 877, where we represent all
Local 877’s training center.
these different sites, apprentices have the opportunity to get their Refrigeration Technician License and earn a decent wage,” said Jack Mucciarone, Local 877 Training Director. In addition to the many
Keep an eye out for upcoming course offerings! Visit IUOELocal877.com/Training for updates, course descriptions, and contact information.
skill-specific courses, the center also offers licensure test preparation classes to ensure your success!
I U O E 8 7 7 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R 5
Recent Contract Wins Unions are strong because of the commitment and solidarity of their members. Congratulations to the 40 workers at Covanta Haverhill for joining the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 877! The overwhelming support, with 81% of votes in favor of forming a union with IUOE, marks the first step toward achieving justice and equality. These workers deserve a secure career and the respect that comes with being a member of the Operating Engineers (IUOE). The next phase involves negotiating a fair contract. Your brothers and sisters at IUOE Local 877 stand behind you in support of positive negotiations and, ultimately, a great contract to provide stability and benefits for you and your family. The Covanta Haverhill engineers chose to join us at IUOE Local 877 because of our members’ dedication, solidarity, and mutual respect. Over the 58 years since IUOE Local 877’s founding, there have been many challenges and many successes. We are happy to announce this latest success!
81%
of votes in favor of forming a union with IUOE
6 I U O E 8 7 7 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R
Golf Tournament In its 22nd year, the Annual Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament continued its ongoing success. This October, despite rescheduling due to rain, 128 golfers competed in the tournament at New England Country Club. This event serves as the primary source of funds for 877’s scholarship opportunities. Thanks to the generosity and participation of our members, Local 877 has granted more than $139,000 in scholarships to the children and grandchildren of members. The funds raised this year will go towards
Congratulations to our winners:
MIKE DEBITETTO ETHAN MOORADIAN NATE ALLEN JOE MORIN
funding future scholarship awards.
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8 I U O E 8 7 7 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R
I U O E 8 7 7 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R 9
Resources for IUOE Members Mental health matters and as we
When you reach out, you will be put
approach the darker days of winter,
in touch with experienced counselors
we encourage you to take some time
who truly understand the needs of
to reflect on the state of your mental
IUOE 877 members.
health. Like many of us, you may be facing difficult challenges at work, at home, or both. There are resources available to help you navigate these challenges and find balance.
You can contact Modern Assistance anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls to Modern Assistance are confidential. Call (800) 878-2004 or scan the QR code to visit their website.
As an IUOE Local 877 member, you can
Cantonese, Mandarin, and Spanish-
access free counseling, substance abuse
speaking staff are also available.
resources, and more through Modern Assistance. This benefit provides a full range of services for eligible members and their dependents. They offer individual counseling around a variety
VISIT MODERN ASSISTANCE’S WEBSITE HERE.
of issues, including alcohol or substance abuse, anxiety, depression, grief, work-life stress, gambling problems, relationship issues, and a spectrum of other behavioral health disorders.
ModernAssistance.com
For 34 years, Modern Assistance has been New England's leader in providing mental and physical health resources to construction and trade unions.
1 0 I U O E 8 7 7 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R
GET THE SUPPORT YOU NEED WHEN YOU NEED IT.
877 Store Show your solidarity with IUOE Local
To place an order and explore
877 in style with our exclusive swag!
our collection, visit our official
Our online store is now open and
website or go directly to
features a diverse range of apparel
UnionProud.com/Collections/IUOE-877.
options designed to help you proudly represent your union. We offer a variety of high-quality items, from t-shirts, hoodies, and hats to accessories that showcase the IUOE Local 877 logo.
Join us in celebrating IUOE Local 877 and the values we stand for by getting your swag today. Wear it with pride, and let your solidarity shine!
I U O E 8 7 7 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R 1 1
IUOE Local 877 89 Access Road, Unit 4 Norwood, MA 02062
Upcoming Meetings An easy way to get involved in the union
The December Monthly
is through attending monthly meetings.
Membership Meeting is cancelled.
Here you can connect with the membership
We look forward to seeing you in
while learning about upcoming events and
2024 when meetings resume.
exciting news. We hope to see you all there!
Our first meeting of the new year
Meetings are held at 6:00 pm on the third
will be:
Thursday of every month at VFW Norwood
♦ Thursday, January 18, 2024
(193 Dean Street, Norwood, MA 02062).
Never forget a meeting by signing up for email and text alerts through the Member Portal.
IUOE Local 877
IUOELocal877.com