COMMUNITY
Protecting Canton Residents during COVID-19 PG 12
PROJECTS
Finishing WooSox Park Strong PG 14
SUMMER 2020 N E W S
M A G A Z I N E
SAFETY
Congratulating Bill LaFlamme PG 18
CONTENTS
S U M M E R
2 0 2 0
Business Manager's Report 03 W ILLI AM D. MCL AUGHLIN
Business Representative Reports 04 MICH AEL J. B OW E S
DAV ID F. SHE A , JR.
MOBILE NEWS NETWORK
CHRIS TOP HER T. FOG AR T Y PAUL C. DIMINICO DAV ID F. FAN T INI
Please remember to sign up for our Mobile News Network and encourage your fellow members and relatives to sign up and follow important news and events.
DAV ID D. DOB S ON, JR. ROBER T A . BURR CHRIS TOP HER L. C ARE Y
Protecting Our Communities 12 During COVID-19 Return to Work Guidelines 13 Project Spotlight 14 WORCE S T ER P OL AR PARK
Partner Spotlight 16 SUNBELT REN TAL S
Safety Corner Training Corner From the Funds Office Online Dues Payment Local 4 at Work Massachusetts Wage Schedule A Note on Why Unions Matter Retirees and In Memoriam Graduates 2
IUOE ▬ LOCAL 4
18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27
To receive updates, text ENGINEERS to 833-923-2538.
STITCHES 'N MORE ORDER LOCAL 4 APPAREL Caps - Sweatshirts - Tees Stitches’ N More 15 Quarry Terrace Peabody, MA 01960 Contact: Paul Mogavero 978-815-0135 pmogavero@aol.com SHIPPING AVAIL ABLE CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
Cover photo: Operator Michael Carey, Oiler Kevin McGowan, Operator Ryan Donovan, and Oiler Michael McCarthy work on Turner’s Amazon project in the Seaport.
WILLIAM D. MCLAUGHLIN BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT
Standing Strong in 2020
Brothers and Sisters, We stand together at an unprecedented moment for our Union and our country. COVID-19 has presented us with unchartered waters and we are still not sure how long it will last. But at Local 4, we are one of the strongest unions in the industry. Through our solidarity, commitment, and mutual support, we are doing more than weathering this storm. We are coming out of it stronger than ever. Many of you are returning to work in the coming days and weeks as we continue to build our region’s future. Though there is no doubt that the pandemic has slowed us down, the economic outlook is bright. Our regional capital development projections, along with current job creation forecasts, both indicate above average ratings for our Local despite this public health crisis. Thanks to your hard work and dedication during this pandemic, we are in a strong position to benefit as we support our recovering economy. Whether you are returning to work or continuing at a job site, your safety remains our top priority. We already uphold the top safety standards in the industry. We are counting on each of you to lead by example and stay safe for the sake of our peers, our families, and our entire community.
At Local 4, we are also doing everything we can to make sure you and your families have the support you need right now. If you are unable to work because you or a family member is sick with COVID-19, we will take care of your medical bills so you can focus on getting better. We have also added telehealth options, like Well Connection, so you can get the care you need right from home. We are also making sure your benefits remain stable and strong. If you are out of work due to COVID-19, you will still receive 30 hours of pay per week towards both your healthcare and pension credits. We are also allowing one-time distributions from our annuity plan if you are laid off. Reach out to the Local 4 Funds Office for more information. Also, we have urged the Massachusetts Department of Licensure to extend the hoisting license renewal process. We will now have 90 days after this State of Emergency to renew our licenses. In addition, we’ve been working with our Massachusetts legislators to improve our voting options heading into the election season. Visit www.Sec.State. MA.US for more information and to register to vote.
CONTACT (508) 285-9060 w.mclaughlin@iuoelocal4.org
we have overcome them time and again. Throughout this crisis, we have maintained all of our services remotely and our offices continue to be fully operational. My entire administration and staff has worked tirelessly to support you and keep our Union strong. Rest assured, we are equipped to withstand anything. We stand by you, as you do us. And together we prevail. In solidarity, as always, thank you for your continued support.
William D. McLaughlin Business Manager IUOE Local 4
For over 120 years, we have faced our share of challenges and NE WS MAGA ZINE ▬ SUMMER 2020
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MICHAEL J. BOWES President
BUSINE S S REP RE SEN TAT I V E: B OS TON ARE A CONTACT (508) 832-9152 m.bowes@iuoelocal4.org
As we move into the summer season, work is just beginning to get back to somewhat normal after the COVID-19 shutdown. Most of the members who had been laid off due to COVID-19 are back to work. I hope that you and your family are managing well in this pandemic and are being safe. If you are looking for work, make sure you stay in touch with us so that we can try to help you out. D.W. White’s Conley Terminal job is still ongoing with Gallagher Concrete putting the finishing touches on the new pier. This job is going to almost double the number of container ships that can come into port. The new Raffles Hotel job at 40 Trinity is moving along. Derenzo is doing the site work and Hub Foundation has just mobilized to start doing the foundation work. The Beth Israel job on Brookline Avenue is just about ready to begin
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hanging iron. Stearns has the steel and they will have two Cornell tower cranes on that job, and Derenzo is doing the site work.
the job site and OSHA is involved and wants to do an interview, you do not need to talk to them without your union representative present. I would strongly suggest that you utilize this right that is Lane is still moving along at the afforded to you. There have been some Cabot Yard project in South Boston. concerning reports from our members Along with most of these MBTA about the line of questioning from jobs, this job will be working a lot of some of these inspectors. Feel free to weekend shutdowns. Suffolk’s job at call us anytime if you have a problem, 400 Congress is now in the foundation and we will be happy to help you out in stage with Trevi-Icos doing the slurry any way we can. walls. Boss Steel has the iron on the job. Turner's Amazon job is moving along I would like to congratulate this year’s now that A.A. Will has completed the graduating apprenticeship class. I'm excavating. Boss Steel has two tower sure you will say that it went by fast! cranes setting the iron. Although COVID-19 is going to delay your graduation ceremony, it will in Suffolk has the South Station job. This no way hold up your transfer. I hope job will be 51 stories over the existing you have all seized the opportunities station. Phase One is condos and office you have had during those four years, space and Phase Two is a hotel. The total because we will need you to succeed dollar amount for this job is just under as Journeymembers. I wish you all $900 million. This job will produce a the best and have confidence that you lot of work for our contractors and has will succeed. taken over two decades to get permits and funding. In closing, I look forward to working with all of you now and in the future. I I would like to remind everyone that appreciate your ongoing support. if you do have any type of accident on
DAVID F. SHEA , JR. Vice President
BUSINE S S REP RE SEN TAT I V E: C AMBRIDGE/ NOR T H OF B OS TON
After a strange spring season, summer is finally here and work has resumed at almost all of the job sites that were shut down due to coronavirus. I realize that for some, the late start and lost time is very concerning, but I am optimistic that with the volume of work in place now, the rest of this season looks good in my area. I hope during the last several months that you and your families have remained safe and healthy. While many of us haven’t had anyone close to us contract the virus, others have lost friends and family members. Let’s all keep those people in our prayers. I would like to congratulate this year’s graduating class of apprentices. Although we were unable to have the usual ceremony, your four years of hard work and dedication is recognized and we are proud of you. I wish all of you good luck in your future as Operating Engineers. On the work front, Cambridge lifted the moratorium on construction June 1st, and there are projects going on
throughout the city. At Google, two Maxim tower cranes were recently erected and DOW is doing site work. At MIT Soma, Marr has several hoists operating. A.A. Will is finishing up the last floor of the up down. French is doing site work, Xquisite is doing the landscaping, and Maxim has one tower crane remaining. At Volpe, Derenzo is excavating the hole, G&C is doing concrete, and Maxim erected the first tower crane. At Cambridge Crossing, Parcel I will have A.A. Will doing site work. Parcel H has Boss Steel erecting and Parcel G has Prime erecting steel with two tower cranes. At Parcel EF, G&C is doing concrete, along with A.J. Welch and J.L. Marshall also on the project. In Somerville, which also reopened June 1st, Assembly Row has three projects ongoing. Structures Derek is wrapping up their steel and precast work, French is doing the site work, and Marr has the hoists. North American Crane has the crane work for the wood framing and Derenzo is also performing site work. In Union Square, Barletta has been doing street utility work. At
CONTACT (781) 231-4215 d.shea@iuoelocal4.org
Boynton Yards, French is doing the site and Structures Derek is doing the steel. The Airport is busy with multiple projects ongoing. DOW, Flett, Bond Brothers, SPS, Allied Pile, D.W. White, Keller, Vinagro, JDC and Select Demo, DOC and Baltazar are all doing work at Logan. In Chelsea, Skanska/McCourt J.V. is busy at the Chelsea viaduct rehabilitation project, with Vinagro doing demo, Atlantic Bridge doing steel erection, and Bay Crane supporting. At the Chelsea Soldiers Home, French is doing the site and J.L. Marshall is doing the concrete. Vynorius is driving piles down the street on a residential housing project. I hope you and your families stay safe as we all get through this together. If there is anything I can do for you, let me know. As always, thank you for all your support.
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CHRISTOPHER T. FOGARTY Recording Secretary BUSINE S S REP RE SEN TAT I V E: SHOP S/4E/CONCRE T E P UMP S
CONTACT (781) 294-1090 c.fogarty@iuoelocal4.org
We are in unprecedented times as the recent events of COVID-19 shuttered down work and put lives at risk for a lot of people in our area and throughout the country. We are not fully through this crisis, but we slowly emerged this spring to a different work world. A number of projects stopped, and the work slowed in many areas, but the rental industry was largely deemed essential and work continued on at a reduced pace. Rentals were off significantly for about two months and gave the industry the opportunity to play catch up on many pieces of equipment. An unusual report from some of the rental industry leaders indicated that rentals to homeowners spiked significantly, which actually
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helped keep some of our members quite busy with delivery and repairs. As construction continues to reopen, so does the equipment, with hours of work returning at a brisker pace. Supply companies Robert Karpp, Wallboard Supply, and United Builders really took the brunt of the construction shutdown and were furloughed in force. They recently have been returning their workforce, but are not at full capacity yet. National Water Main stepped up to the plate with the challenges of decontaminating MBTA buses, trains, and police vehicles with a system that was manned by Local 4 members on the front lines of this pandemic. Dealerships and construction shops did much of the same, taking the time to facilitate repairs that otherwise would be on the back burner. Concrete pump rentals continued steady, while some of the flat work was off with jobs being shut down
or delayed. We have negotiated several new, resigned agreements with our signatory employers, but the uncertainty has presented challenges at the bargaining table. Despite that, the relationships with our companies remain strong and we work in good faith amongst both parties. Business Manager McLaughlin took on this serious event by being proactive in making sure his staff was safe and anyone that works for Local 4 and their families were okay. Bill made decisions that made it possible to be flexible with our signatory employers while keeping the best interest of all of our members at hand. These hard choices really showed what a great leader he is. Thank you, Bill. Construction is returning and work is following in the new normal for now. Times like these have made us push the reset button and we shall emerge stronger than ever. Stay safe and if there is anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to call.
PAUL C. DIMINICO Financial Secretary BUSINE S S REP RE SEN TAT I V E: MERRIM A CK VALLE Y / E S SE X COUN T Y, M A & ROCK INGH AM, NH
As the summer is just beginning, work in the area remains busy. I hope all of our members are well and safe despite the COVID-19 virus. Seabrook Station still has a handful of operators. The shutdown has been completed and many of our members have gotten a good jump start on their hours. Some of the projects were held off for after the shutdown due to the global pandemic. These projects are currently being worked on now because they have the ability to be done with the plant back on line. Suffolk has been awarded the Lowell High School project at $343 million. This will be the biggest high school to be built in Massachusetts and our contractors are currently awaiting bid results. Amazon will also begin a $500 million warehouse in Andover shortly. D.W. White has been awarded the site package and JDC has been awarded the demo package. The concrete work and precast has not been awarded yet, but is looking good for our union contractors. I’m hearing that the demo package alone is around $30 million. Amquip has finished the precast for the parking garage for the Lowell Courthouse, Welch Corp is doing the site work, and Manafort Precision has been doing the concrete. Dow and Safway have completed the Lowell Courthouse, and Newport is continuing a bridge and new intersection. Also, ET&L have just begun reconstructing the Thorndike Street overpass that will lead into the new courthouse. Amquip is also setting precast for a massive parking
garage at Lawrence Mills that will have a football field on the roof of the garage. Atlantic Demo has begun to dismantle the old Raytheon Building in Billerica. This site will become a warehouse for Home Depot and the site work is currently out for bid. I was told that there are still underground tunnels on site that were used in World War II for testing firearms. Julian Crane has just erected their second tower crane on a site job for Erland in Billerica on Middlesex Turnpike. The project consists of apartments that will have a restaurant and a coffee shop on the ground floor, which is quite a site to see in Billerica. As far as I know, this would be a first for tower cranes to be put up in Billerica. There are three other sites in town that will be going out for bid for the same style mixed-use complex. W.T. Rich is the general for a new building going up for the MBTA at the Iron Horse Park and Amerphil is currently working on the site. MBTA has purchased four parcels here and is planning on developing all of them. W.T. Rich has just started the Pawtucket Regional School in West Newbury, United Civil has begun the site work, and Hayward Baker has also just moved in on site. Pawtucket Regional is a $150 million school and will take three years. Barletta is still shutdown on the Middlesex Turnpike expansion in Billerica due to the 800 utility poles that Verizon needs to move over so they can continue expanding the roadway. They are planning on gearing back up over the next coming weeks.
CONTACT (978) 851-8389 p.diminico@iuoelocal4.org
Marois Bros is working on the fields for Billerica High School. They are installing a state-of-the-art soccer field and football field complex with a completion date of July. Marois Bros is also working in Wilmington at Analog Devices and they have also just begun the site work for the new Ryan School in Tewksbury. J.R. Vinagro has been awarded the demo that should begin in the next coming weeks, which is a $100 million school project. J.R. Vinagro has also begun the demo at Saugus High School and the new Saugus High is nearing completion. J.F. White is continuing to work on the MBTA Annisquam Bridge in Gloucester. This is a $57 million job and will take 44 months to complete. In 2010, this bridge was named the most dangerous throughout the MBTA system. MBTA has just shut down service because the bridge has become too dangerous for the trains to cross. This will also give J.F. White the ability to expand its crew and be able to work under less restraint from trains not traveling through. Please practice social distancing and stay safe. As always, if there is anything I can do for you, just give me a call. Thank you all for your continued support!
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DAVID F. FANTINI Treasurer
BUSINE S S REP RE SEN TAT I V E: S OU T H SHORE ARE A CONTACT (508) 746-0177
first large piece of the project. With a price tag of roughly $160 million and 80,000 man-hours for the Operating As we emerge from the craziness Engineers, it will be a very good that is COVID-19, first and foremost job. In July, a $400 million contract I hope everyone and their families will be awarded. There are some bad are healthy. players on the bid list, but we are working closely with our contractors I would like to thank Business to do everything we can to secure this Manager McLaughlin on his work. I will keep you posted. leadership through these extremely trying times. His continued Manafort has started on a large site communication with the membership project in Freetown. They are and staff has been on point clearing 160 acres of a 400-acre site. and decisive. Vinagro Land Clearing has been busy for about a month and Manafort is Work on the South Shore has remained just getting started. This is a project strong even through the pandemic. that should certainly create some Many of the school jobs were able to work opportunities. take advantage of the kids being out early, but the downside was that they In Hanover, the old mall is almost were able to do it without adding extra down and Derenzo has gotten started people. Since the last news magazine, on the site. This is another project new schools have started in Wareham, that we had to work very hard to get. Weymouth, and Seekonk. P.A. Landers was going after this job very aggressively. J.F. White and Manafort Transit continue work on a couple smaller With the talent of our operators and pieces of the South Coast Rail some funds from the Cooperative project. In May, the joint venture of Trust, we were successful. This will Skanska/D.W. White was awarded the be another good job for Local 4. d.fantini@iuoelocal4.org
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The compressor station in Weymouth has continued to progress. The pandemic has brought an end to some of the protests, but an unfavorable court decision may cause some issues for them. Hopefully it won’t affect construction, but may impact the startup. Sevenson Environmental has moved from dredging to a more land-based cleanup in New Bedford. This has been a long project that has been great for the members that have worked there, some for the better part of 15 years. I have ended every one of my newsletters by saying that if I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to call and I hope to see you at a meeting. Those words have taken on a whole new meaning to me! Please stay safe and I truly do hope to see you at a meeting.
DAVID D. DOBSON , JR. BUSINE S S REP RE SEN TAT I V E:
WORCE S T ER-FR AMINGH AM ARE A
As we move into this summer season, we have all been through a very difficult and unprecedented time this spring with the COVID-19 virus. I hope that you and your families have made it through this tough time in good health. Please know that you and your families are in the thoughts and prayers of me and my family. In my area, only a handful of sites were shut down during this pandemic. The usual summer “ramp-up” has been slower than normal, but we are starting to see members go back to work now and the calls from contractors have been picking up. If there has been any silver lining to this virus, it would be the opportunities for our members and contractors doing road work. P.J. Keating, Aggregate, Amorello, and J.H. Lynch have been doing roadwork and laying down pavement at record pace, in part, because of the lack of traffic. Some work moving forward in the area includes: • Gilbane is at Polar Park in Worcester with French back to work, as well as Prime Steel and Manafort Precision. • J.H. Lynch is in Kelley Square. • Consigli is at WPI and has NCI and Hallamore.
• J.H. Lynch and Triboro Crane are at the YWCA. • Guigli has returned at South High with EDI Landscape. • Amorello is doing water and sewer work all over the city. • Borges has a few projects going. • Consigli has a bio-tech on Belmont Street with Guigli doing the site. • Dimeo has three jobs at Holy Cross with site work being done by Marois, Hallamore and North American doing the crane work. • Suffolk is at the UMass VA Hospital project with Vinagro and Marshall. • T & M is at a school in Shrewsbury. • Marois is working for Gilbane in Westboro. • D.W. White is at a school in Natick and at Westwood Station. • Derenzo is at a school in Framingham, the library in Grafton, and City Hall in Fitchburg. • Working in Natick, DOC is at the T station, Guigli is at Veterans housing, Proia for Pacella, and KJS. • Marois and Manafort Precision for DPR is at BMS. • Cairns is in Concord. • MIG is on Rte. 190 and bridge in Townsend. • Northern is at Treetop Brewery in Charlton and Beaver Street Bridge in Framingham. • Suffolk is at BC Science building
CONTACT (508) 753-1025 d.dobson@iuoelocal4.org
• • • • • • •
with Derenzo, AJ Welch, and Structures Derek. McCourt is at BC. DOW Manafort Precision is at Wellesley College. Marois is in Medway. J.J. White is at Medway Power. Borggaard is in Bellingham and Northboro. Bond is in Wellesley on Rte. 9. Maxim, Central Mass, Hallamore, and Triboro are working all over the area.
Please keep your licenses and certifications up to date. I know it’s not easy at this time, but thanks to Bill McLaughlin, John Gaffny, and the Trustees at the training center, they are now offering continuing ed online. In closing, please take care of yourselves and your families during this unusual time. I wish you all a great summer season, and as always, I look forward to seeing you on the job and thank you all for your support!
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ROBERT A. BURR BUSINE S S REP RE SEN TAT I V E:
M AINE/ NH-BELK N AP-C ARROLL-COOS-S T R AT FORD COUN T IE S ARE A CONTACT (207) 426-9910 r.burr@iuoelocal4.org
Brothers and Sisters, First let me begin by offering my sincere wishes of safety and health for you and your families. When I last reported, we were in the early stages of a global pandemic that will ultimately change our lives. Things are beginning to level out and reopen but the threat is still very real. Please take all the necessary precautions that Local 4 is putting in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 and keep you, your family and your fellow union brothers and sisters healthy as we continue to work. The CMP Clean Energy Connect Project that would fall under the jurisdiction of the IBEW lineman has been awarded. While not yet a done deal, as there are still a number of hurdles to overcome before that project can become a reality, initial conversations with the IBEW have shown that there will be
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a need for Operating Engineers to successfully complete this job. I’ll be sure to keep our membership apprised as those conversations develop. Maine Medical Center in Portland has begun dismantling the parking garage. Manafort has been on site prepping for demolition along with Hayward Baker, who are finishing the underpinning and tie backs. We are actively going after the site and foundation portions along with our tower crane signatories as part of the structural steel package on Phase II of the hospital expansion project. Cairns in Dover, NH is running three shifts jacking under the rail. SPS New England is in Durham, NH and Kittery, Maine continuing the bridge projects. Ferreira is in the Augusta area as well as Southern Maine. Newly-signed LMC is in Elliot and Westbrook, Maine performing compressor station upgrades. LMC is providing our members ample opportunities to work steady hours on both sites. They have
long term plans to stay in the area and continue bidding more work. LMC already has added more crews, creating more opportunities for our members in Maine. Congratulations to our brothers and sisters at Eurovia/NorthEast Paving. While COVID-19 delayed contract negotiations we were able to utilize other methods to successfully negotiate. Thank you to all that were involved in the process. Best wishes to the recent Local 4 graduating apprenticeship class. I wish you all the best in your endeavors as Journeyman Operating Engineers and I look forward to working with you. Good luck. In closing, remember that we are Operating Engineers. We are the best in the business and we look out for each other in solidarity. Stay safe!
CHRISTOPHER L. CAREY ORG ANIZER
LEGISL AT I V E REP RE SEN TAT I V E
CONTACT (781) 759-6169 c.carey@iuoelocal4.org
Brothers and Sisters, as we begin another New England summer, I hope that you are all doing well and that your families are staying safe and healthy during these times. It has been a busy couple of months adapting to the many changes that COVID-19 has brought upon us. It is times like these that remind me how proud I am to be a part of this Local. I am so proud to be a part of an exceptional team that works together every day to make sure that the members of Local 4 are safe and have the proper resources to weather these challenges. I would like to recognize the graduating apprentices and wish them congratulations. Even though we were not able to properly celebrate your achievements in June, we recognize your dedication and determination through the four years of this program. You have made a
great investment in yourselves and we hope to celebrate it together soon. I wish you all the best of luck!
something done quickly for working families during this time of crisis, like unemployment insurance and worker protections. The Massachusetts Legislature is working on a transportation bond bill that would secure many years of work for members of the Operating Engineers. We are also lobbying the Legislature on a number of issues, including: a hoisting licensing board; prevailing wage laws applied to gas replacement and subcontracted repair work; and lawsuit protection for contractors unable to adhere to pre-shutdown deadlines resulting from COVID-19 concerns.
The construction market has remained relatively steady, but we are anticipating a busy summer. Contractors have been worried about a labor force to meet the demand, but we have been busy organizing, signing new companies, and continuing to engage with more companies for opportunities in the future. We have welcomed new opportunities with New England Contractors (framing), LaRovere Companies (curbing and sidewalk replacement), and JAB Service Holding. Additional newly-signed agreements include A-M Equipment, Arruda Trenchless Construction, I wish you all a safe and happy and TMAI. summer. I look forward to being at The legislative work has been busy. a body meeting with all of you soon. It has been great to see elected officials coming together to get NE WS MAGA ZINE ▬ SUMMER 2020
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Local 4 In The News
Operating Engineers Local 4 Proud to Keep Canton Workers and Families Safe By Local 4 Business Manager Bill McLaughlin
As Canton and communities across Massachusetts prepare to re-open, it's clear that protecting everyone’s safety is more important than ever. That's why at the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4, we're committing our resources and industry-leading safety expertise to protect Canton's families and essential workers. Many of our members live in Canton, and countless more are proud to work here. For instance, many have been working with the National Water Main Cleaning Company here in town to sanitize MBTA buses and their ventilation systems. Thanks to their tremendous work, they’ve been able to keep public transit running throughout the pandemic, helping thousands of other essential workers get to their jobs safely. Ensuring that our workers stay healthy on the job is our #1 priority. That’s why we’re working hard to define a new industry standard for safety.
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It all starts with clear communication. We work closely with companies and our members to ensure that they adhere to clear guidelines, in accordance with state and federal regulations and the latest public health research. We make sure all our members have personal protective equipment and education on how to maintain social distancing. And we provide all of our members with paid sick leave, so that they don't have to worry about paying the bills if someone in their family gets sick with COVID-19. Clearly, recovering from this global pandemic will require unprecedented coordination to ensure public safety, restart our economies, and support working families. These new research-based practices keep our job sites and our communities safe and they keep our workers healthy. We're proud to do our part for Canton’s families and essential workers. Bill McLaughlin is the Business Manager of International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4.
COVID-19
SAFETY GUIDELINES As cities and towns begin to re-open across the region, your safety remains our top priority. We're counting on all of you to lead by example to help keep ourselves, one another, and our communities safe. The following safety protocols will apply to ALL workers, whether you are continuing work or returning to work.
New Guidelines to Protect Workers: 1. Self-Certify to Supervisor - All workers must “self-certify” to your supervisor before each shift that you are not sick and have not been exposed to COVID-19. 2. Wear All PPE - Please wear the proper safety equipment at all times, including gloves, masks, and eye protection. Depending on the location of your job site and the nature of your work, your employer may not be required to provide you with any PPE, so remember to have your own in case. 3. Maintain Social Distancing - All workers must remain at least six (6) feet apart at all times, including on elevators. Do not carpool with others to and from the job site. Handshakes and other physical contact are prohibited.
4. Wash Hands Frequently - Job sites will have temporary hand-washing and hand sanitizer stations throughout the site. Workers should wash hands, arms, and face (in that order) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds immediately after removing PPE. 5. Stay Home If Sick - Do not report to work if you feel ill or if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, loss of taste or smell, or diarrhea or abdominal distress. QUESTIONS? Please reach out to your Business Representative or call the Union Hall at 508-533-1433.
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Project Spotlight HIT TING A HOME RUN AT
WORCESTER POLAR PARK 14
IUOE â–Ź LOCAL 4
The WooSox are less than a year away from making their debut at Worcester Polar Park, and we've been hard at work building their new, state-of-the-art home. There's been a ton of progress made on the construction of the park over the past few months.
18-acre development, demolishing buildings, digging up 180,000 cubic feet of soil, and leveling a 50-foot hill to make room for the new ballpark. Now the job is swiftly moving towards completion. Members are finishing up the steel and concrete work this summer.
Local 4 members from W.L. French, Gibane, Prime Steel, and Manafort Precision have been working on the
Due to COVID-19, the City Manager shut the job down for five weeks. However, our team was already
ABOVE: From Left: Mike Bowman, Rick Allard, Mark Prunier, Dave Dobson, Ken Hand, Justin Bowman, Glen Shorette, Colton Prentiss, Alexandra Simonovitch, Thomas Flanigan
ahead of schedule, so the project is still set to be completed by early winter. This is a remarkable testament to all those who are bringing unmatched skill and productivity to this project. When it's complete, the new $100 million, 10,000-seat Polar Park will bring new economic life and the next generation of baseball fans to Worcester. We're proud of the hard work our members are doing to build Massachusetts' next iconic ballpark. Alexandra Simonovitch NE WS MAGA ZINE â–Ź SUMMER 2020
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Partner Spotlight SERVICING OUR COMMUNITIES
DURING COV
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VID-19 ABOVE : Chris Lombard
In a global pandemic, high-quality, safe equipment remains critical for our homes, businesses, and dozens of other industries. Thanks to Local 4’s 40 service technicians at Sunbelt Rentals, we’ve helped meet this demand.
equipment at Local 4’s apprenticeship and continuing education programs. Our curriculum focuses on understanding the cutting-edge technologies within the industry, which has kept our work powering along without a beat.
Members at the Woburn, Mass. equipment facility were deemed essential and worked throughout COVID-19. We’ve continued to service and maintain 4,000+ pieces of rental equipment worth $38 million, ranging in size from a drill to a 150-foot boom lift.
COVID-19 isn’t the first time that Local 4 members have serviced our communities in times of need. These members helped power and maintain generators that went to thousands of families when Hurricane Sandy ravaged the Jersey Shore. We couldn’t be prouder of our members at Sunbelt Rentals.
Members learn the technical skills needed to service this wide range of
NE WS MAGA ZINE ▬ SUMMER 2020
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Safety Corner
BILL LAFLAMME that we continue to be diligent in using all protective measures to keep from getting the virus. Just wanted to go over a couple of topics in this “Safety Corner.”
CONTACT blaflamme@local4training.org
Well, first and foremost, I hope all (family and friends) have come through the last few months healthy and safe. It has been a time that we have really never had to endure before, and it seems that the pandemic may stick around for a while. It is important
PART 1 - The first one has to do with your wallet. I want you all to open it up and pull out your licenses. It is very important to make sure that they are all up to date. It only takes a short time to go through the licenses and certs you have. I’m sure you all have, at one time or another been asked to present your licenses and certifications to the employer. Probably the most important one to have is to make sure your drivers license (CDL) is up to date. The CDL license also requires you to have a medical certificate. You also need to have a hoisting license, and this license, just
CONGRATS
TO BILL LAFLAMME
On behalf of all of us at Operating Engineers Local 4, we would like to congratulate Bill LaFlamme on his well-deserved retirement after 38 years of dedication to Local 4, including 26 years as a Local 4 training instructor. Thank you, Bill, for your work and dedication to our craft and countless members and apprentices over the last four decades. We wish you nothing but the best as you enjoy your new journey in life.
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IUOE ▬ LOCAL 4
like the CDL has a requirement, which requires that your license covers the machine category that you are operating. Another one that is important is if you are a crane operator you also have to have a “Crane Operator Certification” card. Once again, you are limited to operate only the category of crane that you hold a certification for. There are other certifications and licenses that also need to be renewed and it only takes a few minutes to check and make sure they are all up to date. You can put your wallet away now! PART 2 - On a personal note, I just wanted to let you all know that this will be my last Safety Corner. I also wanted to let you know that I will be retiring from the Engineers Training Center in the not too distant future. I wanted to tell all of my brother & sister members that it has truly been an honor and privilege for me to play a major part of your training. It really has been a pleasure to work with both Training Coordinator, John Gaffny and all his staff at the Engineers Training Center, and also Business Manager, Bill McLaughlin and all his staff at the main office. Remember! Operate your machine within manufacturer recommendations! Don’t be intimidated! And most important is to “Be Safe”!! Bill LaFlamme Co-Safety Officer
Training Corner TRAINING COORDINATOR
UPDATE Greetings Brothers and Sisters. I hope this newsletter finds you and your families doing well and staying safe. I would like to thank Business Manager Bill McLaughlin for his leadership during this unprecedented time. Over the last few months Covid-19 has had an enormous impact on everyone and Business Manager McLaughlin has made all the right decisions and kept Local 4 moving in the right direction. Thank you, Bill, for everything you did and continue to do during this difficult time. In the area of training, we have started continuing education classes online. At the time of writing this newsletter, there has been multiple classes and they have been both well attended and very successful. I believe this type of training will continue to become more popular and effective for our members. There has been several calls and inquiries from members about renewing their Massachusetts hoisting license. Back in March, Governor Baker signed an executive order stating that during this state of emergency anyone whose license was scheduled to renew after March 17th will have a grace period for renewal. Once the state of emergency is lifted, the member will have 90 days to renew their license. As always if you have any further questions about licensing feel free to call the Training Center. CONTACT (781) 821-0306 jgaffny@local4training.org
I would like to congratulate all the fourth-year apprentices on completing the Apprenticeship program. Although the Graduation ceremony has been postponed to a later date and it’s not the way we hoped to finish the year, it is a great accomplishment and everyone at the Training Center wishes you all success as journey members of Local 4. In August, instructor Bill LaFlamme will be retiring from the Training Center. Bill started as a part-time instructor in 1988 and a full-time instructor in 1993. I want to thank Bill for his years of service to the Training Center and Local 4. On behalf of everyone at the Training Center we wish you a happy and healthy retirement. Thank you all and have a great summer. John Gaffny Training Coordinator
NE WS MAGA ZINE ▬ SUMMER 2020
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From the Funds Office BENEFITS ADMINISTRATOR
UPDATE CONTACT (508) 533-1400 office@local4funds.org
I want to wish all of our participants an enjoyable and socially-distant summer. I know that things are challenging right now, but please know that we at the Funds Office are here to help in any way we can. Our website, www. local4funds.org, is full of resources for our members, but I wanted to take this chance to highlight two of them that may be useful now as we all adjust to life in this pandemic. Best Regards, Gina M. Alongi Administrator MEMBER RESOURCE: WWW.AHEALTHYME.COM Do you know how to make the most of your Health Plan? Visit Blue Cross Blue Shield’s online resource featuring healthy living tips, savings and discounts, prevention guidelines and the like. Their member-centric w e b s i t e , w w w. a h e a l t h y m e . c o m provides you with voluntary tools to
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IUOE ▬ LOCAL 4
create a personalized action plan for a Healthier You! From synching your activity tracker, to completing a health assessment, to engaging in fitness challenges and online workshops, A Healthy Me is a very accessible tool to learn more and save more. Complete with a wellness library, healthy recipes, and health centers to learn more about various conditions or medications, this site is one that arms you with pertinent information to keep your health on the forefront of your mind. If you have not signed up on the site, be sure to take a look and see how the site can serve you and your family best.
Has the weekend glass of wine turned into a nightly habit? We have a team of counselors who are readily equipped to help you with these types of issues and many more. In response to the increase in mental health needs we have seen since the start of COVID-19, we have implemented additional supports groups for, anxiety management, parenting as well as a meditation practice group. These groups, as well as our other counseling services are offered safely, and conveniently through telehealth by licensed mental health professionals. There is no cost to you, and it is completely confidential.
MEMBER RESOURCE: MODERN ASSISTANCE These are difficult times people are living through. We at Modern Assistance want to remind you that we are here to help you and your family navigate these challenges. Modern Assistance is offering full service mental health counseling for a full array of issues. Are you a parent feeling burnt out playing, teacher, mom, and worker? Are you feeling more stressed, tired and anxious lately?
If you or a family member are feeling, stressed overwhelmed, or just don’t feel like yourself, please give us a call at 617-774-0331. We are here to help.
U
ES
ONLINE DUES
PAYMENT
Y
U
PA
M
ON YO
!
IT
IS
O N T H LY D
INSTRUCTIONS • Visit www.iuoelocal4.org • Click EZPAY/Xpresspay on the homepage • Enter your name, registration number, credit card number, and the desired payment amount ($45, $90, $135 or $180) - An asterisk * indicates a required field, please fill in all information completely to ensure accurate processing. • Complete the steps and your dues will be credited the next business day. • Your receipt will be sent to you in accordance with your payment.
PLEASE NOTE There is a 3% convenience fee that is collected by EZPay and not Local 4. To avoid this fee, we recommend you pay your dues with a traditional form of payment.
Send check, cash, or money order mailed or delivered to: IUOE Local 4 Union Hall 16 Trotter Drive Medway, MA 02053 NE WS MAGA ZINE ▬ SUMMER 2020
21
LOCAL 4
AT WORK
Maxim/AmQuip crew assembling a crane in Norton. Pictured: Mike Hall, Sean Myers, Jack Warford, Nick Kusek, Billy McGuinness, Nick Romaniuk, Paul Copley.
Left: A.A. Will doing foundation (slurry walls) at Whiskey Priest at the Seaport. Center: Justin Brooke running Amorello 349 on Grafton Street in Worcester. Right: Manafort working at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine.
22
IUOE â–¬ LOCAL 4
The compressor station being built in Weymouth.
J.F. White working on the Annisquam Bridge in Gloucester.
Billy McGuinness working in Bellingham for a roofer.
North American Crane on site for LMC in Eliot, Maine.
Gary Brooks for Virgilio in Lancaster, Massachusetts.
Trevi Icos starting on the slurry wall operation at 400 Congress.
Julian Crane has two tower cranes at Broadstone Middlesex, a new rental housing development on Middlesex Turnpike.
J.R. Vinagro clearing land in Freetown.
J.L. Marshall and Derenzo working in Brockton at the new unemployment building.
Chelmsford Crane setting steel at the elementary school in Wareham.
LMC in Westbrook, Maine NE WS MAGA ZINE â–Ź SUMMER 2020
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UPDATED MASS. WAGE SCHEDULE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS - LOCAL #4 Wage Settlement June 1, 2018 - May 31, 2022 Wage Schedule Effective June 1, 2020 MASSACHUSETTS 6/1/2018
24
12/1/2018* 6/1/2019*
12/1/2019*
6/1/2020*
12/1/2020*
6/1/2021*
12/1/2021*
GROUP I
47.08
47.58
48.18
48.73
49.33
50.48
51.58
52.73
Daily Rate (Per Hour)
55.09
55.74
56.49
57.20
57.95
59.25
60.50
61.81
GROUP 1a (Boom Length) Over 150 Feet " 185 " " 210 " " 250 " " 295 " " 350 "
2.13 3.75 5.27 7.98 11.05 12.85
2.15 3.78 5.31 8.04 11.13 12.95
2.16 3.81 5.35 8.10 11.21 13.04
2.18 3.84 5.39 8.16 11.29 13.14
2.19 3.87 5.43 8.22 11.37 13.23
2.21 3.90 5.47 8.28 11.45 13.33
2.22 3.93 5.51 8.34 11.53 13.42
2.24 3.96 5.55 8.40 11.61 13.52
GROUP 1b
55.09
55.74
56.49
57.20
57.95
59.25
60.50
61.81
GROUP 1c
48.08
48.58
49.18
49.73
50.33
51.48
52.58
53.73
GROUP 1d
62.38
63.12
63.96
64.75
65.60
67.06
68.47
69.94
GROUP 1e
69.67
70.49
71.43
72.31
73.25
74.88
76.44
78.07
GROUP 1f
53.37
53.93
54.61
55.23
55.90
57.20
58.43
59.73
GROUP II
46.61
47.10
47.69
48.23
48.81
49.95
51.04
52.18
GROUP III
31.90
32.03
32.28
32.47
32.72
33.50
34.25
35.04
GROUP IV a. Fireman b. Other than TC/Gradall c. TC or Gradall d. Daily Rate (TC) e. Scow Rate
38.83 23.14 27.40 31.57 31.34
39.13 23.06 27.42 31.70 31.46
39.54 23.11 27.57 31.94 31.70
39.89 23.08 27.64 32.12 31.87
40.30 23.13 27.79 32.36 32.10
41.25 23.70 28.47 33.14 32.87
42.16 24.25 29.11 33.88 33.61
43.11 24.83 29.79 34.66 34.38
Daily Rate Differential GROUP II GROUP III
5.00 3.16
5.08 3.21
5.16 3.25
5.24 3.30
5.31 3.35
5.40 3.40
5.48 3.45
5.56 3.51
Tunnel Differential
3.40
3.40
3.40
3.40
3.40
3.40
3.40
3.40
Health & Welfare 11.00 11.50 12.00 12.50 13.00 13.00 13.00 Pension 12.25 12.35 12.35 12.45 12.45 12.45 12.45 Annuity 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.25 Apprenticeship 0.95 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 IUOE National Training Fund 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Labor Management Cooperative Trust 0.61 0.61 0.61 0.61 0.61 0.61 0.61 OTHER: * Dues Assessment: 1 3/4% deducted from total Wage and Benefit Package. * Social and Political Action Committees: $0.05* per hour. * The Local may, at its option, utilize parts of these increments for increases to Health & Welfare, Pension, Annuity, IUOE National Training Fund, Social and Political Action Committees and Dues Deduction. * Of the 61 cents payable to LMCT, 10 cents will be remitted to the Industry Advancement Fund. * HAZARDOUS WASTE: Engineers required to work in the HOT ZONE will receive a $2.00 an hour wage differential.
13.00 12.45 3.25 1.00 0.05 0.61
IUOE â–¬ LOCAL 4
A NOTE ON WHY UNIONS MATTER The union is not for yourself but for your children It does not arise to avenge the past but to claim the future… it is an expression not of the dignity of its leaders but the dignity of all. It was not called into being to celebrate the majesty of one person; it does not live to serve the self-indulgence of another. It is not property but mission. Every decent moment in the history of man is the assertion of an affronted conscience Anyone can belong to a union; but a union belongs to no one and least of all to anyone who is ashamed of where he or she came from and indifferent to those he or she left behind. The union leader is not the owner of an institution; he or she is the caretaker of tradition. —Murray Kempton
NE WS MAGA ZINE ▬ SUMMER 2020
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IN MEMORIAM The Officers and Members of the Local offer their sincere condolences to the families and friends of the following: Daniel J. Beane
Paul T. Devito
David H. Lawson
George L. Proulx
Mathew R. Cardoso
John F. Farrell, Jr.
Frederick G. McNutt
Louis Rasetta
J. Daniel Connor
Robert M. Flaherty
Paul Meschwitz
Stanley Smeaton
Peter V. Curran
Daniel J. Hadley
Michael L. Oliveira
Paul R. Vigliotti
Robert J. D’Ambrosio
Edward C. Jacobson
William D. Pierce
Charles B. Winslow
Please also observe a moment of silence for those members who passed away due to COVID-19 and keep those members and their families and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
CONGRATUL ATIONS
RETIREES Congratulations to our retirees! We wish you all a healthy and well-deserved retirement.
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Manuel P. Amaral
Peter Faulkner
Gregory D. Irving
Michael R. Robidoux
Lawrence E. Dunbar
Joseph T. Gavigan, III
Curt J. L’Heureux
John G. Ryan
Edward J. Dwyer
Vincent Giannangelo
Timothy O. Morrell
Gregory W. Thomas
IUOE ▬ LOCAL 4
THANK YOU
ESSENTIAL WORKERS Thank you to all the frontline workers and first emergency. We appreciate your service and pray responders! You put your lives on the line daily to for your safety. protect us from danger and help when there is an
2020 APPRENTICESHIP
GRADUATES A big congratulations to our newest journeypersons! Our apprentice class of 2020 just completed an intensive, four-year apprenticeship training program that has prepared them for today’s jobs –– with an eye for the future.
While we can’t celebrate in person due to COVID-19, you should be very proud of your accomplishments, and we’re excited to see what you do in the future.
Henry D. Banks
Ryan T. Cormier
Matthew G. Levins
Taylor D. Pires
Thomas J. Bonome
Karina DeLosSantos
Timmothy J. Macalone Thomas M. Quilty
Tylor E. Bowes
Sean F. Flaherty
Michael K. McCarthy
Donald F. Brooker, III
Suzanne M. Fortes
Jason K. Moore
Mark W. Caughey
Brendan J. Healy
Sean M. Myers
Matthew W. Caughey
Leon A. Hussey
Zack P. Pelick
Bryan L. Williams
Fraternally yours,
William D. McLaughlin Business Manager and Vice-President, Massachusetts AFL-CIO NE WS MAGA ZINE ▬ SUMMER 2020
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IUOE Local 4 16 Trotter Drive Medway, MA 02053
Operating Engineers here
As our communities begin to re-open, your safety remains our top priority. We appreciate your patience with respect to the cancellation of our Union Hall meetings, Charitable Foundation Annual Golf Outing, Annual Blood Drive, along with political and social events for the foreseeable future. These activities are set to be re-started in Phase 4 of the Massachusetts Re-Opening Plan. We look forward to reconvening these events
you and your family. 28
IUOE â–Ź LOCAL 4
when it is safe to do so. Until then, please continue to lead by example and continue to follow all safety guidelines on and off the job site. Together, we're equipped to withstand anything, and as a Union, we will prevail.