Boston Local 534 Newsletter: Fall 2023

FALL 2023

BUILDING NEW ENGLAND FOR OVER 100 YEARS

BOSTON LOCAL 534 | FALL 2023

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 TAUNTON WASTEWATER 4 TREATMENT PLANT UNION ORGANIZERS SPOTLIGHT 6 RECOVERY RESOURCES 7 BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT

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.

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Brothers and Sisters, As we approach the end of another year, we reflect on the work that the members of Local 534 have contributed to improving our communities. We stand strong together in this union, and work tirelessly to stand up for justice and equality for every single member.

Our union’s success today is thanks to all members who’ve worked hard and stood together in solidarity for decades.

We’re proud to highlight our organizing leaders, Larry Regalado and Vincent DiSalvo, and their efforts to strengthen our union. Read more about their work on page 6-7.

The members of Local 534 work hard at sites all over the region to build strong communities. See what our members are doing at the Taunton Wastewater Treatment Plant on pages 4-5.

Thank you for all your work and dedication. Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season and a safe, wonderful New Year!

In Solidarity, John Sweeney Business Manager

TRUST PLASTER. TRUST CONCRETE. TRUST LOCAL 534.

BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT

BOSTON LOCAL 534 | FALL 2023

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TAUNTON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT Local 534 members work hard every day to build strong communities.

We are proud to provide the necessary updates to the Taunton Wastewater Treatment Plant, so that the community can continue to receive clean water from a stable source for years to come.

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TRUST PLASTER. TRUST CONCRETE. TRUST LOCAL 534.

BOSTON LOCAL 534 | FALL 2023

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UNION ORGANIZERS SPOTLIGHT Founded in 1915, Local 534 was organized to promote quality in our industry and ensure that plasterers and cement masons could collectively bargain for better labor standards.

The progress our union has made since its founding stems directly from the commitment of our members and the efforts of our union organizers.

Currently, Larry Regalado and Vincent DiSalvo create and maintain partnerships for Local 534 Plasterers and Cement Masons. One aspect of their role is traveling to work sites around the region to investigate how workers are being classified and whether they are being paid appropriately. “As an organizer, I am always looking for an opportunity to talk to prospective contractors and prospective members,” says Larry Regalado. Educating contractors and non-union workers is an important piece for increasing membership, which allows more workers to benefit from unionization. Partnerships with signatory contractors allow Local 534 members to work on dozens of projects throughout Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. “The most important thing we do is making sure our contractors have qualified manpower and that all members are out working.”

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LARRY REGALADO Business Representitive | Organizer

The most important thing we do is making sure our contractors have qualified manpower and that all members are out working.

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In addition to working with contractors to employ our members on job sites, both organizers also discuss the benefits of unionization with non-union contractors and workers. “Our members have the skills and safety qualifications that are necessary on any worksite,” says Vincent DiSalvo, “In addition

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Local 534 is part of the Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA), the oldest Building Trades Union in the United States.

RECOVERY RESOURCES

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VINCENT DISALVO Business Agent | Organizer

Our members have the skills and safety qualifications that are necessary on any worksite.

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to that, they receive good benefits and have the support of their union.” Vincent and Larry put it an abundance of time and effort to yield positive results. Sometimes, changes don’t happen right away, but it is essential to continue working toward a better future for workers.

As the days get shorter and holidays approach, it can be more challenging for people managing substance abuse and mental health challenges. Modern Assistance is a program available to you as a member of Local 534. This program provides a full range of services for eligible members and dependents, including support for mental health, substance abuse, and work/ life balance. Services with Modern Assistance are confidential.

Call (800) 878-2004 or visit their website for more information ModernAssistance.com

TRUST PLASTER. TRUST CONCRETE. TRUST LOCAL 534.

DID YOU KNOW?

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

UPCOMING MEETINGS The best way to have a voice in your union is to attend local meetings, where you can engage with fellow members, ask questions of local leadership, and stay informed.

All meetings will be held at the Local 534 Union Hall unless otherwise noted.

*No Regular Union Meeting* in December Our next membership meeting will be:

Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 6 PM

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