Local 534 Summer 2022 Newsletter

SUMMER 2022

BUILDING NEW ENGLAND FOR OVER 100 YEARS

BOSTON LOCAL 534 | SUMMER 2022

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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BUSINESS MANAGER'S REPORT

MEMBER HIGHLIGHT

CONTRACTOR SPOTLIGHT: MARGUERITE CONCRETE

JOHN F. "JACKIE" O'NEIL SCHOLARSHIP

2022 POLITICAL ENDORSEMENTS

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.

3 TRUST PLASTER. TRUST CONCRETE. TRUST LOCAL 534.

BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT Brothers and Sisters, As union members, we are part of a community that takes care of one another. Recent news reminds us that we should all look for safety issues.

Every worker deserves a safe workplace. And employers must do all they can to ensure safety at the job sites.

Labor unions took the lead in getting the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970 passed. Since then, unions have gained more substantial health and safety protections.

The VR setup makes our training more

That's not just through OSHA. Some health

sophisticated — and safer. With these

and safety wins have been through collective

innovations, Local 534 is set to train the next

bargaining agreements.

generation in our craft. To see the equipment

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in action, look at the new video posted on our website (BostonLocal534.com/vr-training).

We are part of a community that takes care of one another.

Finally, I encourage you to register to vote and help elect pro-labor candidates. On page 7, you'll find out about candidates who have been endorsed by Local 534, along with information on registering to vote. It is up to you, our members,

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Local 534 is doing our part. Our new virtual

reality training equipment allows apprentices to train safely for the job site before getting there.

This VR technology lets them deal with difficult situations before they come up.

to ensure these candidates secure and hold their seats. While in office, they can help advance workers' rights throughout the Commonwealth for the benefit of our members and our families.

Thank you again for all that you do.

In Solidarity, John Sweeney Business Manager

BOSTON LOCAL 534 | SUMMER 2022

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MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS Even for experienced cement masons Alan Kerwin and Emir Rama, joining Local 534 and having a union apprenticeship was a valuable experience.

"It helps a lot for everybody," said Rama

Above: Emir Rama.

when asked if he benefited from his union apprenticeship. Kerwin added, "534 definitely

insurance. ... Union, it's the future for everybody,"

helped me along the way."

said Rama.

Kerwin said that, when he left Ireland and came

Kerwin added, "It's definitely a good future. The

to the United States 17 years ago, he started out

benefits are really good. What other job offers

working summers for his uncle, who did plaster

an annuity and a pension? That's two-for-one. If

work, brick restoration, and basements.

you're willing to work hard, you can make some

A few years later, Kerwin joined Local 534. While

good money and live a good life. You can have a

Kerwin had already learned on the job with his

nice house, drive a nice car, and do whatever you

uncle, he got a more thorough training as a union

got going on in your life."

apprentice. And he's been a staunch union member

Kerwin especially encourages those who don't

ever since.

have any experience to join the union and

For his part, Rama said, "I was born in Albania, and

become an apprentice. Union apprenticeships

I moved to Italy to work when I was 23." He found

allow individuals to earn while they learn, and as

work in Italy as a cement mason. Rama started in

Kerwin says the "doors are open."

construction in 1994, and moved to the U.S. about

For those who aren't sure if a union

a decade later. In 2016, he became a union member.

apprenticeship is for them, Rama encourages

"When I got in [to Local 534], they sent me over

everyone to try, "You can try the beginning and

to one company for a couple of months," said

if they like it, maybe they will move forward.

Kerwin. "And then they sent me with the biggest

They have support from the other members with

concrete company, S&F Concrete."

experience in the field and in the trade."

After working non-union jobs, Rama and Kerwin both valued the education they received from their Local 534 apprenticeship, where they further mastered their trade.

"I recommend [joining the union to] everybody who has the experience and who wants to have a better rate with great

I recommend [joining the union to] everybody who has the experience and who wants to have a better rate with great insurance. ...

Union, it's the future for everybody.

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What started as a small shop has grown into one of the largest concrete companies in New England. A signatory contractor of Local 534, Massachusetts-based Marguerite Concrete employs over 550 cement masons, laborers, iron workers, and other trades.

Jim Marguerite started his career as a union cement mason when he graduated high school, and started Marguerite Concrete not long after.

"After two years, I had enough of my work to justify starting a company, so in January of 1989, I started Marguerite," he said.

Marguerite Concrete has seen substantial growth since it was founded. It started as a flatworkonly company but expanded into foundations, reinforcing installation, and concrete pumping over the years, making it a complete concrete service company.

Employees of Marguerite Concrete have worked on many notable projects throughout New England, including Somerville High School and Logan Airport. Marguerite explained, "We do a

Considering the wide range of work they do on various projects, having reliable, skilled labor is essential. "When Marguerite originally started, it was a non-union company. We connected with Local 534 because we knew they had a large workforce of skilled cement masons," said Marguerite when explaining the benefits of being a signatory contractor.

Marguerite Concrete is continuing to grow, while providing quality work on projects throughout

lot of work out of Logan Airport for the terminal

New England using skilled union labor.

expansions. We've done the terminal B to C

Marguerite stated, "We value the partnership we

connector. We did the terminal E tarmac work

have with Local 534. It's a good relationship with

where the planes load and offload the passengers

their members and with their management. We

onto the jet bridges." They're also taking their

consider it a big team working together every day.

work to new heights, working right now on the

We appreciate their hard work and dedication to

tallest building in Portland, Maine.

fulfilling the services that we need."

TRUST PLASTER. TRUST CONCRETE. TRUST LOCAL 534.

CONTRACTOR SPOTLIGHT: MARGUERITE CONCRETE

BOSTON LOCAL 534 | SUMMER 2022

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JOHN F. "JACKIE" O'NEIL ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP Local 534 is currently accepting applications for

all applicants must have a sponsor who is a

the John F. "Jackie" O'Neil Annual Scholarship,

member of Local 534 to be eligible.

named in honor of our former training director.

The application deadline is September 1, 2022.

This scholarship gives those close to a Local 534

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to

member the ability to pursue higher education at a lower cost. All high school and college students who are close to a member are encouraged to apply.

To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must fill out the application form and submit an essay on how Local 534, unions and the labor movement have impacted their life. In addition,

contact Business Manager John Sweeney at 617-825-5200 or jsweeneylocal534@gmail.com.

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The Massachusetts primary elections are right around the corner. Some of the top spots in the state are open — including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, State Auditor, and State Legislators. Voting is on September 6.

Local 534's goal is to help elect pro-labor, pro-union candidates to office. That is why we have endorsed: ■

Jim McGovern for U.S. Congress

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Maura Healey for Massachusetts Governor

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Shannon Liss-Riordan for Massachusetts Attorney General

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Diana DiZoglio for State Auditor

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Lydia Edwards for State Senator

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Paul Mark for State Senator (IBEW Local 2325 member)

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Paul Feeney for State Senator (IBEW Local 2222 member)

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House Speaker Ronald Mariano for State Representative

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Peter Capano for State Representative

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Jessica Ann Giannino for State Representative

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Gabriela “Gigi” Coletta for Boston City Councilor

Local 534 is confident that these candidates will make a difference for working families in Massachusetts and prioritize the needs of workers. We encourage all members to get out and vote in the primaries on September 6 and in the general election on November 8.

MASSACHUSETTS ELECTIONS ARE COMING UP SOON, MAKE SURE YOU ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE! Registering to vote in Massachusetts is a quick and easy process. You can register online by going to the Massachusetts Secretary of State's website.

You can also submit a mail-in application.

Make sure you register 20 days before an election, or else you will not be able to vote.

Scan the QR code to register online.

TRUST PLASTER. TRUST CONCRETE. TRUST LOCAL 534.

2022 POLITICAL ENDORSEMENTS

Boston Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 534 7 Frederika Street Boston, MA 02124

MBTU MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING TRADES UNIONS