Boston Local 534 Newsletter: Winter 2021

WINTER 2021

BUILDING NEW ENGLAND FOR OVER 100 YEARS

BOSTON LOCAL 534 | WINTER 2021

2

BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT Brothers and Sisters, The last year was a trying time for all of us, as the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we work, educate, socialize, and celebrate.

At Local 534, we’ve faced our share of changes.

We’ve reduced our apprenticeship program to five apprentices and one instructor to comply with COVID-19 restrictions. The Local 534 Executive Board is now holding all meetings virtually, and we’re looking forward to holding union meetings

We’re also implementing top safety measures to

outdoors again when the weather gets warmer.

keep our training program up and running. Joint

Even holidays, graduations, and birthdays have

Apprentice Training Program Director William

been canceled or held virtually due to the risks

Redmond and Instructor Vincent DiSalvo have

posed by COVID-19. Luckily, changes on job sites

completed classes training them in COVID-19

have made it possible for our industry to continue

safety protocols. The training program also

work, with only a short stoppage at the beginning

recently purchased equipment to clean and

of the pandemic.

disinfect all equipment and training areas so

Now here’s some good news for 2021. Boston

classes can begin soon. We look forward to

Mayor Marty Walsh has been appointed to

announcing more trainings soon.

be the U.S. Secretary of Labor for the Biden-

In times like these, it’s important for all of us to

Harris administration. This is a major victory

stay connected with one another. That’s why we’re

for working people across our country. Marty’s

proud to announce the launch of our new website,

been a steadfast champion for workers’ rights

BostonLocal534.org. The site features all the latest

throughout his career, and he’ll be the first union

union news, training, benefits, and more. We’ve

member to lead the Department of Labor in more

also launched a new Mobile News Network to stay

than 50 years. We’re looking forward to working

connected and share important updates by email

alongside him in the years ahead, and we know

and text message. Please turn to the back cover of

he’ll keep standing with us through thick and thin.

this newsletter and scan the QR code to subscribe

Here at home, the work outlook for 2021 will

to our email and text alerts.

be busy. Brigham & Women’s Hospital has two

All signs are pointing towards increasing normalcy

projects scheduled already, while Tewksbury

and prosperous times for Local 534 this year.

Middle School and Pentucket Regional High

Thank you for all of your hard work and resilience.

School have new buildings in the works. The Seaport District, Dorchester Bay, and Cambridge Northpoint all have numerous projects that are

I wish you and your family a great start to this year, and Stay Positive by Testing Negative.

ongoing or scheduled to begin soon. There are

In Solidarity,

many more jobs coming up as well, and Local 534

John Sweeney

stands ready to meet our contractors’ needs.

Business Manager / Financial Secretary-Treasurer

Business Manager's Report

3 TRUST PLASTER. TRUST CONCRETE. TRUST LOCAL 534.

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES LOCAL 534 LEADS THE WAY FOR WOMEN IN THE TRADES

At Local 534, we’re committed to building great union careers. So when the Commonwealth of Massachusetts put forth a challenge to make 20% of our apprentice class women by 2020, we rose to the occasion. We were proud to receive the 20% Tradeswomen by 2020 Award for achieving this goal.

Business Manager John Sweeney accepted the award on behalf of our Local at the Building Pathways Year of the Tradeswoman 2020 Annual Benefit. Four-year Plaster Apprentice Victoria Saar represented Local 534 on the event panel, answering questions and sharing her inspiring story.

“These last few years have been eye-opening,” Saar said before the event. Before joining the building trades, Victoria knew she wanted to join a union and start a hands-on career. After thorough research, she applied to join Local 534.

“Joining this union has helped me strengthen my voice and my confidence, start a lifelong career that I love, and find a supportive family with Local 534,” said Saar. “My advice to other women interested in joining the building trades is to be yourself, ask lots of questions, and don’t be intimidated. When you join, we’ll set you up for success.”

Thank you, Victoria, for representing Local 534 so well. We’re proud to continue supporting the women in our industry every day.

Scan the QR code with your phone’s camera to learn more about Building Pathways and watch the event recording.

Creating Opportunities

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

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