BUILDING NEW ENGLAND FOR OVER 100 YEARS
Boston Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 534 represents over 400 skilled and licensed plasterers and cement masons across New England. We’re proud to set the standard for cuttingedge architectural design and durable construction. Thanks to our world-class training, benefits, and commitment to quality construction, we’ve been the trusted choice for plaster, cement masonry, and fireproofing for over 100 years.
Brothers and Sisters,
Thank you to all of the members who have joined us for our first meetings of 2025. We are fortunate to have a dedicated membership that stays connected with the union on a regular basis. As a union, we are always trying to do right by our members – whether it’s ensuring that there’s work available or supporting legislation that protects workers. Right now, there are bills in the Massachusetts State House, which aim to protect workers from wage theft. Read more about how you can take action to support these bills on page 4!
As you know, our training center supports our apprenticeship program and offers courses to journeymembers who want to refresh their skills or learn something new. Recently, union brother Thomas Peckham offered training on cementitious fireproofing with a “Spray Buddy.” Check out photos on page 5.
I am personally proud to have so many women in our ranks and I look forward to the continued growth of our diverse workforce. This edition’s member feature highlights a highly skilled member of our workforce: Victoria Mirabella. Flip to pages 6 and 7 to read more about Victoria’s experience learning and growing within Local 534.
Thank you for your continued support!
As always, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns and join us at our monthly membership meetings to discuss the latest union news and updates. Have a wonderful spring!
In Solidarity, John Sweeney Business Manager
Representative Kearney and Senator O'Connor have introduced bills in the House (HD.330) and Senate (SD.1518), which aim to protect construction workers from wage theft. We need everyone's help moving these bills forward so that plasterers and cement masons in Massachusetts are protected. This legislation would allow individuals to take legal action against employers who do not pay wages in accordance with the law, providing much-needed enforcement across the construction industry.
Local 534 members deserve safe, fair working environments and together we can ensure these protections become law. We are asking our members to send an email to your legislators urging them to support HD.330 and SD.1518.
If you have questions about your benefits, get in touch with the Funds Office. The team is here to support you. Use the contact information to the right or stop by our office at the Union Hall: 7 Frederika Street, Boston, MA 02124. The office is typically open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
A longtime member, Thomas Peckham, recently provided crucial training on cementitious fireproofing with the “spray buddy” at the Local 534 Training Center. This mechanism creates an easier, safer, and more efficient fireproofing process. Peckham provided instructions on how to load the spray, apply it, and ensure even coverage. Those who participated did an excellent job. Great work, everyone!
In her 8th year with Boston Local 534, Victoria Mirabella is in her second term as recording secretary for the union. She is a trustee on two different funds and was recently appointed to co-chair of the Steel Edge Women of the OPCMIA. The committee meets quarterly and has a Facebook group to keep in touch. Victoria is currently focused on getting more Boston women involved with the committee since it’s a great space to come together, support other women in the industry, give each other advice, and form meaningful connections.
Victoria previously worked as a hairdresser before joining Local 534, but decided that she wanted to do work that was more fulfilling. She knew she wanted to join a union, so she did her research
and found Boston Local 534 where she applied for the apprenticeship program and got in.
“It was pretty intimidating to join the union with no prior experience,” she said. “But once I realized so many people were in the same boat, our apprenticeship class became close and learned from each other.”
She recalls that her classmates were a range of ages and races, and although there were few women in the program, she was able to break the ice, made friends and found a lot of supportive people around her during her training.
Despite low numbers when she first joined, Victoria notes that the number of women in 534 has grown steadily over the past eight years. She hopes to
encourage more women to join the union, explaining that she’s found it to be a welcoming environment.
“Be confident in who you are and know that you deserve to be there,” she said. “Try not to be intimidated by the male presence on the job and let your work speak for itself.”
She’s also seen the sisters of the Boston unions coming together and supporting each other, which is a change from when she first joined.
“I’ve seen so many more women on job sites and recognition of women on job sites,” she says.
Victoria currently performs production gun spraying to fireproof new construction for Massachusetts General Hospital. The most exciting part of the MGH job for her is that she has worked on it from the start of the project and is seeing her work integrated into the final product. She completed her four-year apprenticeship with Boston Local 534 learning every aspect of the job: plastering, skin coating and ornamental work.
Her favorite project to work on was Saint Gabriel’s Cathedral in Brighton, where she helped restore ornamental work. This was where she learned ornamental plastering; she spent days making molds and enjoyed the artistic element. It was especially enlightening to see how plastering was done in previous
generations and learning how to replicate the traditional styles with modern techniques. Saint Gabriel’s Cathedral has since been converted into The Overlook at St. Gabriel’s, a residential community which preserved many aspects of the historic cathedral.
With support from the union, Victoria has also attended three NABTU Trades Women Build Nations conferences to continue growing professionally: Minneapolis (2019), Las Vegas (2022), and Washington DC (2023). These annual conference bring together women in the trades from across the U.S. and Canada.
“It’s always a really fun time! It’s not your average work trip. You’re enjoying and learning the whole time,” she said. “Next year, I hope to send more women from Boston Local 534. It’s also a great opportunity to gather with others from the Steel Edge Women in-person.
Boston Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 534
7 Frederika Street
Boston, MA 02124
♦ Tuesday, March 25 at 6 PM
♦ Tuesday, April 22 at 6 PM
♦ Tuesday, May 27 at 6 PM
Please join us for our regular monthly union meetings to get the latest news and information. These meetings provide a great opportunity to share your voice and connect with your union brothers and sisters.
The full 2025 Meeting Schedule can be found on our website by scanning this QR code.
