CHRISTOPHER L. CAREY

ORGANIZER/LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE

I hope that you are enjoying your summer so far and you are able to find time with your families during this busy construction season. I know that my family has enjoyed meeting many of you at this year’s WooSox game and the 2nd annual 5k.

At May’s body meeting, Business Manager McLaughlin announced that he would be retiring in September. Throughout Bill’s career, he has put the members of Local 4 first and has never wavered. As he climbed the ranks of Local 4, Bill has been honored a number of times, but it is the work that he does when no one is looking that has elevated him to Business Manager and International Trustee. During his time as Business Manager, he has started a charity in the Local’s name that has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars, pioneered the 4G charter, navigated the change of two different departments in the middle of the COVID pandemic, negotiated great contracts for Local 4, left us a strong pension and health care plan, found middle ground with nonunion companies and organized them, and the list goes on. Bill has left this Local better than he found it, and it has been a pleasure working for him. Jen, the kids, and I would like to wish Bill and Debbie the absolute best in retirement.

With Bill’s retirement, the Line Officers have voted Michael Bowes as Business Manager, Dave Shea as President, and myself as Vice President. Mike has shown that he is a fierce fighter for Local 4. As an Organizer, he managed to organize many workers and companies. As a Business Agent, he would go to the end of the earth to represent a member and always find a way to create or keep work for the Operating Engineers. As he starts his new role as the Business Manager, there is no doubt he will continue to do great work. Congratulations, Mike! I would also like to congratulate Dave Shea on becoming President. Dave is a true professional who has helped me in many organizing efforts. I would like to express what an honor it is to be able to represent you all as Vice President. Saddened to see Bill go, but we move forward with a great team and I’m proud to be a part of it.

This being Dave Dobson’s last newsletter, I would like to wish him and his wife, Terry, a happy and healthy retirement. James Marenghi has been appointed as the new Business Agent for the Worcester area. Jimmy is a hard worker who cares deeply for each member’s success. He has been a great addition to the team, and I’m sure he will continue to work hard each day for the members that live and work in that area.

Over the years, we have been extremely fortunate with all of the work opportunities. With that, we have been able to organize individual workers and accept them into Local 4. We do this with precision and a great deal of effort but only when the need arises. During these summer months, if our contractors are busy enough for us to justify taking new members in, we will continue to grow. This will increase our membership and make our bargaining stronger. I believe that this is one of the most important jobs we can do right now, organizing the nonunion worker. So, I hope you will welcome them in and teach them why and how we do things.

Up at the Massachusetts State House, we have been busy advocating for co- sponsorships for our Board of Hoisting Machinery bill and several others that would benefit this Local. As some hearing dates start to trickle in, we are eager to provide testimony in favor of bills that help us and also voice our concerns on ones that would have a negative impact.

Congratulations to this year’s class of apprentices. It has been a long journey to get to this point and it was nice to see you all achieve your goal. I wish you success as you move on to becoming a journeyperson.

Lastly, it was an honor to represent Local 4 as a delegate to our 40th General Convention. It was great to see Business Manger McLaughlin elected as International Trustee in an uncontested election. We have strong leadership under General President Callahan and his team. We had the opportunity to network and hear from politicians, labor leaders, and many other interesting speakers. I returned home from the convention inspired and motivated.

CONTACT

(508) 384-2170 j.marenghi@iuoelocal4.org

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

With the summer months here, I hope you and your families are enjoying the warmer weather. The organizing has been busy with us hitting nonunion jobs.

I would like to start off by congratulating Business Manager Bill McLaughlin on his upcoming retirement. His tireless dedication and commitment to Local 4 have been inspiring. He is leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come! His positive attitude and enthusiasm have made a lasting mark on the Local. He has been a mentor, a leader, and a friend to so many of us. His wisdom and guidance will be missed. Bill has had so many achievements and contributions — he started the 4G charter, successfully negotiated contracts, provided a fresh new look online, many upgrades to the Hall in Medway, the Local 4 5K, and the annual charitable golf outing, which raises money and awareness for many charities, just to name a few. I am so happy for Bill and his wife Debbie to start this new chapter in their lives! Business Manager McLaughlin has