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.
BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT
Brothers and Sisters,
It is an honor to serve as your business manager as we celebrate the 110th Anniversary of Boston Local 534 together. I enjoyed seeing you and your families at Kimball Farm this June—lucky for us, we were able to celebrate on the first sunny Saturday after several weekends of rain. Flip to the next page to see photos from the event!
We, as a union, are also fortunate to have so many fantastic retired members amongst our ranks, many of whom attended our anniversary event. As you can imagine, our retirees have great stories to share and advice for our newest apprentices and members on how to have the best career possible. Check out our retiree spotlights on pages 6 and 7 to learn more!
Please note there will be NO regular union meetings in July or August. I look forward to seeing you at our next regular union meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
In the meantime, I encourage you to keep an eye on our website for upcoming training opportunities and reach out to the Funds Office if you have any questions about your benefits. As always, if you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Union Hall.
Have a great summer, and stay safe!
In Solidarity, John Sweeney Business Manager
CELEBRATING 110 YEARS
We are proud of our history as a union—110 years of collective bargaining to ensure safe working conditions, good wages, and well-deserved benefits. Boston Local 534 was founded in 1915 and has represented hundreds of skilled and licensed tradesmen and women across New England over the last century. Our plasterers, cement masons, and fireproofers set the standard for high-quality work and unmatched dedication. Local 534 is also part of the Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA), the oldest Building Trades Union in the United States. Celebrate 110 years with us throughout 2025!
RETIREE SPOTLIGHT:
BILL SHINE
Bill Shine, a 43-year member of Boston Local 534, enjoys staying active in retirement. After such an active career, he notes how important it is to continue exercising in the years after retirement— he enjoys bicycling, walking, and going to the gym. He’s also enjoyed opportunities to travel—most recently to Naples, Italy with his wife—and loves talking to people!
Shine retired in 2020 after 23 years as a cement mason and another 15 years as an instructor with Shriver Job Corps. From his two decades as a cement mason, he mentioned that his favorite job was constructing the Big Dig ventilation buildings for Skanska USA Civil Northeast. He made the switch to Job Corps in 2005, replacing John Sweeney. According to Shine, the move to become an instructor saved his body. He taught many students over the years, providing them with preapprenticeship skills and knowledge.
With all of his years of experience he says the most important thing in any profession is to show up on time. “It doesn’t matter how good you are at your job if your employer can’t rely on you,” he says. “So showing up on time is number one, and then following directions and working hard.”
He recalls that he was placed on the Big Dig because another worker didn’t show up. Shine was available and got to the job site as quickly as possible. After proving that he was a hard worker and continuing to show up on time each day, he was able to stay on with the company for quite some time. He says he was lucky to make a good, livable wage, and now he’s especially grateful for the pension he has in retirement.
RETIREE SPOTLIGHT:
CURTIS WILLIAMS
A 42-year member of Boston Local 534, Curtis Williams followed in the footsteps of his father-in-law, becoming a cement mason in 1984.
“When I came in, I didn’t know anything about concrete, but I picked it up and made a good living,” says Williams.
Since retiring in 2022, he has stayed busy around the house and continues doing part-time work to keep active.
During his time as a cement mason, Williams was honored to be the shop steward on many jobs. He says it was a lot of pressure, but for a good reason. He enjoyed looking out for his fellow workers and maintaining a safe work environment for everyone. His favorite job to work on was Millennium Place in downtown Boston because it was right in the center of town and he met a lot of great people while working there.
As he reflects on his career as a cement mason, he has some advice to new apprentices and journey workers: “Hang in there! Some jobs aren’t for everybody, but always give it a shot and keep a positive attitude.”
He proudly notes that his son, Kareem, is now carrying on the family legacy as a 23-year member of the local himself.
“I’m so proud of him,” says Williams. “He stuck it out and stayed with it.”
Williams says one of the best parts of Local 534 is feeling that you have the support from the union. He is grateful for the camaraderie and acknowledges that when you’re working with a good group, it makes the job a lot easier.
“I appreciate the Local,” he says. “If they ever called for a favor, I would be right there.”
Boston Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 534
7 Frederika Street
Boston, MA 02124
REMINDER
THERE WILL BE NO REGULAR UNION MEETINGS IN JULY OR AUGUST.
We are looking forward to our next regular union meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact the Union Hall.
The full 2025 Meeting Schedule can be found on our website by scanning this QR code.
