PIPEFITTERS LOCAL 537 & NEW ENGLAND MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS
FALL 2024 NEWSLETTER
SOUTH STATION PAGE 4
I hope that this message finds you and your families well.
I’m excited to share the Fall 2024 Newsletter with you. As always, I encourage you to reach out to the union office with any questions that you may have.
Local 537 members have been hard at work on job sites across Massachusetts. From large projects to small, our pipefitters, welders, HVAC and refrigeration technicians are bringing our outstanding skills to projects throughout the region.
Fall marks the beginning of another school year for roughly 500 Local 537 apprentices. It is great to see the training center buzzing with activity again, and I’d like to commend Training Coordinator Paul McGrath and his team of instructors for their constant commitment that ensures that our apprentices receive the most up-todate training and the most relevant curriculum for our ever-changing industry.
This past summer, 12 instructors spent a week in Ann Arbor, Michigan to attend the annual UA instructor training program at Washtenaw Community College.
I’d like to recognize the 2 instructors that graduated this year from the UA program which is a 5 year commitment – Brothers Mike Holmes and Matt Standish. It is the combination of the education in the classroom and the on the job mentorship that provides our apprentices with the tools they need to thrive in our trade as highly skilled journeypeople.
We wish to congratulate Brother Jack Pacheco on winning the United Association International Apprentice Welding Championship! Read more about his accomplishments on page 6.
As of January of 2025, the State of Massachusetts regulations for Hot Work Safety is going to enforce their 3-year limitation for training. Read more about this change on page 10
Local 537 is proud of the benefits we bargain for and I wanted to take a moment to highlight an important resource, the online Benefits Portal. Please note that this portal is a separate entity from the Local 537
member portal. If you have any questions about your benefits as a union member, please reach out to Funds Administrator James Curran at the benefits office.
Our 2024 Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Crosswinds in Plymouth was a wonderful success. Each year we are grateful for the outpouring of passion and commitment to this exciting event. It’s a great way to give back to our community and have a great day on the course in the process. Together, we raised nearly $80,000 dollars for charity. Thank you to our many sponsors who contributed and to all our golfers who played, donated, and bought raffle tickets.
In September, we enjoyed a great day with some of our retirees and guests at the annual Retirees Luncheon at Granite Links. The friendships kindled on job sites become lifelong bonds that extend well past retirement. Apprentices – in 40-odd years, we hope you’ll be attending such an event. Remember that the relationships you build in your union aren’t just for the length of a project, they’re for life.
Please be sure to mark your calendars for the Annual Kids Christmas Party on Saturday, December 7. Bring the whole family for a day of Christmas presents and holiday fun. I hope to see you there!
On behalf of our leadership team, thank you for your support and dedication to our union. Please stay safe and look out for one another on the jobsite. We look forward to seeing you around the hall!
In Solidarity,
Daniel T. O'Brien
Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer
SOUTH STATION
The completion of the South Station Transportation Center and mixed-use tower will mark a significant milestone in Boston's urban development landscape. This initial phase sets the stage for two subsequent phases that promise to make South Station a true “gate to the city”
Phase 2 of the project has been approved to expand upon the initial infrastructure. This phase will see the addition of a residential and/or hotel building atop the bus terminal expansion completed in Phase 1. Spanning 440,000 square feet and accommodating 368 parking spaces, Phase 2 aims to cater to the growing residential and hospitality demands in the area, complementing the transportation facilities below.
Phase 3, introduces 510,000 square feet of office and amenity space above the existing
bus terminal structure. This phase is designed to meet the needs of businesses looking for modern, centrally located office spaces within Boston's bustling urban core.
Upon completion of all three phases, the South Station Transportation Center will boast a total of 1,980,000 square feet of mixed-use space, integrating residential, commercial, and office components seamlessly.
By enhancing transit connectivity and providing modern living and working environments, this project will help revitalize the cityscape and set a new standard for integrated urban development in metropolitan areas.
Pipefitters 537 members of all trades are serving on this massive project.
SPOTLIGHT ON APPRENTICES
JACK PACHECO
2024 United Association International Apprentice Welding Champion
We wish to congratulate Brother Jack Pacheco on winning the United Association International Apprentice Welding Championship!
Jack competed in the state competition this past May, then advanced to the District 1 competition in June in Connecticut where he competed amongst welding apprentices from 9 states. In August, he finally advanced to the championship where he competed against 6 welders from each of the UA's 6 districts. He had the privilege of representing Pipefitters Local 537 amongst some of the finest welding apprentices in the country. "It feels great. I wouldn't be here without all the hard work that my training instructors instilled in me," said Jack.
"The talent was great this year — the competitors were all amazing. It feels good to win and to finally pay that back to all my instructors."
"It's a super proud moment for me as a training coordinator to see one of your own compete and win at this level, it is just amazing," said Paul McGrath.
"On behalf of the Local 537 officers and membership, it was a privilege to watch Jack put in such a monumental effort and display his excellent skill and craftsmanship," said Daniel T. O'Brien. "He couldn't have represented Local 537 any better. He did us all proud."
WOMEN OF PIPEFITTERS 537 REPRESENT THEIR UNION AT TRADESWOMEN BUILD NATIONS 2024
Women workers of Pipefitters 537 proudly represented their union at Tradeswomen Build Nations in New Orleans. They discussed the state of the industry, how to provide better recruitment opportunities for women in the trades, and participated in sessions with top women thought-leaders in the building trades.
Jack competing in the regional competition.
Top Right: L to R –Michael Pleasant (UA Assistant General President), Jack Pacheco (LU 537 Welding Winner), Mark McManus (UA General President), and Derrick Kualapai (UA General Secretary-Treasurer)
Pipefitters 537 members representing their union at Tradeswomen Build Nations in New Orleans
Right: Sister Sandra Williams Left: Liz Schuler, AFL-CIO
MAKE AN EDUCATED DECISION
IN THE NOVEMBER ELECTION
In the Labor Movement, we don’t vote for candidates based on red or blue.
We vote for candidates who fight for workers.
A vote for the Harris-Walz ticket is a vote for stability, fairness, and for our livelihoods. It’s a vote for union workers across the country to continue the repair of our infrastructure.
It’s a vote to keep the rights our movement has fought and risked everything for over the last couple of centuries: our wages, our benefits, our retirements, our union.
Vote for candidates who will stand with you as workers. Our future depends on it.
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LABOR MOVEMENT
Harris has been a friend to labor since the beginning, casting the deciding vote to appoint Jennifer Abruzzo, a pro-labor former attorney with the Communications Workers of America, to the General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).1
Harris has cast the most tie-breaking votes in the Senate of any Vice President, including casting the deciding vote that passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which provided millions in funding to American manufacturers and created good union jobs 2
During his presidency, Trump appointed a General Counsel for the (NLRB) that chose cases that stripped worker rights and stacked the rules in favor of unionbusting corporations 3
Now, Project 2025, an extremist agenda authored by Trump’s closest confidants, includes plans to gut the NLRB by firing the General Counsel, making it easier to decertify unions, and cracking down on workplace organizing.4
UNION
APPRENTICESHIPS
The Biden-Harris administration reversed Trump’s anti-worker IRAPs with an executive order, protecting quality apprenticeships like ours and maintaining high industry standards.5
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITIES & DISCRIMINATION
The Biden-Harris administration’s DOL launched the Mega Construction Project (Megaproject) Program, which provides free, direct assistance to contractors and unions to help ensure employment opportunities for underrepresented workers, showing their commitment to diversity and equity.
They also launched a $20 million initiative to help increase the number of people from underrepresented groups in Registered Apprenticeship programs, potentially increasing our membership 9
IMPACT ON WORKERS’ PAY
The Trump administration supported the creation of IRAPs, an anti-union program trying to undercut our high-quality apprenticeship program, lower industry standards which would’ve impacted our wages & benefits and made us less safe on the job 6 7 8
Trump banned the use of federal funds for diversity and inclusion training which stimulate the economy, make companies more profitable, and are vital for creating a more equitable, fair workplace for all.10
Project 2025 will widen inequities in the workplace and give bad employers the ability to discriminate on the job without legal consequences 11 12
The Biden-Harris administration expanded the use of project labor agreements, which help unions like ours strengthen pay, keep workers safe on the job, and ensure everyone can access good careers in the building trades.13
As co-chair of the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, Harris recommended requiring projects with federal grants and contracts to use union labor, giving us more work hours 14
INFLUENCE ON YOUR RETIREMENT
Trump reduced wage protections for millions of workers, preventing almost 8.2 million workers from receiving overtime pay and costing them over $1 billion a year in lost wages 15 16
Project 2025 proposes legislation that would allow corporations not to pay workers overtime draining money from hard-working everyday people to billionaire corporations.17
Harris gave the deciding vote to pass the American Rescue Plan, which provided a 30-year benefit guarantee and $86 billion for multiemployer pension plans, helping us protect our hard-earned pensions 18 Trump’s 2020 budget proposal cut retirement benefits for federal employees by $143.5 billion His proposal included reducing federal pensions and reducing or eliminating cost of living adjustments.19
HARRIS TRUMP
HARRIS TRUMP
WORKER POWER As a senator, Vice President Harris stood up to then-President Trump’s campaign against federal workers, criticizing his executive orders that limited the power of federal workers’ unions and made it easier to fire federal employees. 20
Trump stripped workers at federal agencies of their bargaining rights at the bargaining table. 21
Trump World’s Project 2025 calls for an end to labor unions as we know them, threatening wages, benefits, and retirements. It wants to replace unions with a watered-down diluted alternative called “employee involvement organizations” which would weaken our bargaining power and threaten our wages, benefits, and retirement. 22
OUR RIGHT TO ORGANIZE
Harris has pledged to sign the PRO Act into law if passed by Congress. The PRO Act is landmark legislation that would effectively end right to work laws, expand our right to organize and collectively bargain, and strengthen our union 23
Trump kicked unions out of their collectively bargained offices in federal buildings and instituted one-sided contracts onto several agencies. 24
ANNOUNCEMENTS: NFPA HOT WORK REGULATIONS
NFPA.org
As of January of 2025, the State of Massachusetts regulations for Hot Work Safety is going to enforce their 3-year limitation for training. This means Hot Work Cards will only be valid for 3 years.
For those with Hot Work Cards Completed since January of 2022:
To register for an online Hot Work Course, please use this link to sign up:
1 callaborlaw.com/entry/nlrb-general-counsel-office-moves-to-decidedly-pro-labor-perspective
2 whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/08/16/fact-sheet-two-years-in-the-inflation-reduction-act-is-lowering-costs-for-millions-of-americans-tackling-the-climate-crisis-and-creating-jobs/
3 cwa-union.org/trumps-anti-worker-record
4 americanprogress.org/article/project-2025-would-undo-the-nlrbs-progress-on-protecting-workers-right-to-organize/
5 hrdive.com/news/biden-rescinds-trump-era-industry-apprenticeship-program/595370/
6 dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20200310
7 apprenticeship.gov/sites/default/files/IRAP_General_Fact_Sheet.pdf
8 ccdaily.com/2022/09/bye-bye-iraps/
9 whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/01/fact-sheet-ahead-of-labor-day-biden-harris-administration-announces-new-actions-to-empower-workers-building-on-the-presidents-historic-support-for-workers-and-unions/
10 epi.org/publication/biden-first-18-months/
11 forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2024/07/08/three-ways-project-2025-will-impact-american-workplaces/
12 cbsnews.com/news/what-is-project-2025-trump-conservative-blueprint-heritage-foundation/
13 whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2022/02/04/remarks-by-vice-president-harris-at-signing-of-an-executive-order-on-project-labor-agreements/
14 govexec.com/federal-news/2024/07/unpacking-kamala-harris-record-federal-workforce-issues/398226/
15 cwa-union.org/trumps-anti-worker-record
16 epi.org/blog/president-trump-has-attacked-workers-safety-wages-and-rights-since-day-one/#:~:text=The%20Trump%20NLRB%20has%20engaged,right%20 to%20fair%20union%20elections
17 americanprogress.org/article/project-2025-the-plan-to-seize-power-by-gutting-americas-system-of-checks-and-balances/
18 pbgc.gov/american-rescue-plan-act-of-2021#:~:text=The%20American%20Rescue%20Plan%20(ARP,Financial%20Assistance%20(SFA)%20Program.
19 washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2018/05/08/trump-thanks-federal-employees-with-143-5-billion-in-retirement-cuts/
20 theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/25/kamala-harris-speech-teachers-unio
21 epi.org/blog/president-trump-has-attacked-workers-safety-wages-and-rights-since-day-one/#:~:text=The%20Trump%20NLRB%20has%20engaged,right%20 to%20fair%20union%20elections
22 forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2024/07/08/three-ways-project-2025-will-impact-american-workplaces/
23 theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/25/kamala-harris-speech-teachers-unio
24 pacfteamsters.com/images/VOL._5_NO._7_JANUARY_2021_PDF.pdf, https://ucommblog.com/section/national-politics/biden-repeals-union-busting-executive-orders
If you have earned your Hot Work Card within the last 3 years (January of 2022 to now), it will expire 3 years from the date on your card. You should plan on retaking the online course prior to your card’s expiration date. This includes those that completed the course in early 2022. Please plan on taking it prior to your 3-year anniversary of taking the course.
For those with Hot Work Cards Completed prior to January of 2022:
If you earned your Hot Work Card prior to this date, your card will be expired as of January 1, 2025. You will need to retake the online course and successfully complete the online test to earn a new Hot Work Card that will be good for 3 years. This process will need to be completed every 3 years to maintain an active Hot Work Card.
This link will bring you to the NFPA site where you can purchase the online test, set up an NFPA Account, review the online course and complete the online test. Creating an account will allow you to maintain your Hot Work Card going forward. There is a charge of $49 to enroll in this course. Please plan your time accordingly, as the State of Massachusetts will be strictly enforcing this safety code as of January 1, 2025.
HARRIS TRUMP
GETTING ACTIVE: JOHN TAKIS
John Takis, a retired member of 12 years from Local 537, is a testament to the power of persistence, generosity, and community involvement. For years, John has actively participated in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), raising about $10,500 through a combination of personal outreach and support from mechanical contractors. He takes the "oldfashioned” approach to fundraising by sending letters to family and friends, personally thanking them for their past support. Local 537 has been proud to signal boost his efforts using our Facebook and website and by donating to his cause.
Riding on behalf of Grosky Mechanical, a company whose owner, like John, is an avid cyclist, John has contributed to raising significant funds for cancer research. Over the years, Grosky Mechanical has raised close to $750,000, with about $250,000 raised just in the past year alone. The team includes about 20 riders, though John stands out as the only retiree among them. His connection to Grosky came through family – his brother worked for the company before retiring.
John's involvement with the PMC has seen him raise nearly $90,000 over five rides. In addition, he has participated in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) rides, covering 150 to 180 miles on two separate occasions.
John only started cycling in his mid-40s and began participating in triathlons at 50. He took up this challenge with the same tenacity he brings to everything in life, training with
the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Boston and later competing in national events in Florida. For these triathlons, John had to raise a minimum of $4,000, further contributing to his lifetime of charitable giving.
Even in retirement, John’s routine is active. He goes to the gym 3 to 4 times a week, finding it both a physical outlet and a social engagement. His work with Local 537 and the Knights of Columbus extends beyond fundraising. John volunteers at homeless shelters a couple of times a month and helps organize coat drives with Knights of Columbus and his local church to help provide for those in need.
With a successful career at Local 537 behind him, John is now committed to giving back, always with the support of his loving family and grandchildren. His contributions through the PMC, his involvement in charitable organizations, and his volunteer work demonstrate the enduring impact one individual can make on their community. John Takis is an inspiration, reminding us all of the importance of giving back.
CONGRATULATIONS, RETIREES!
Congratulations to the members who retired this season! We are so thankful for all your hard work and service to the union. Best of luck as you start this next chapter of your life!
2024
JUNE
Thomas S. Crane
Scott D Mills, Sr
James L Fennessy
SEPTEMBER
Joseph F. Kelly
Mark Laracy
Joseph R. Montville
David Perkins
William J. Thompson
JULY
Patrick J. Clifford
Joseph F. Doyle
Edward A. Eastman, III
David M. Goulet
Dana B. Willard
AUGUST
Lisa Berthiaume
Russell J. Corr
Rory F. Holleran
Jeffrey T. Raffaelo
John F. Squires
Michael B. Sullivan
Steven R. Walker
Melvyn R. Millen
Paul M. Sheehan
Michael A. Stuart
IN MEMORIAM
MEMBER NAME
Richard E. Holleran
Robert P. Ryan*
Dennis W. Collins*
Apet Torosian
Brian P. Clarke
Mark D. Peterson MEMBER NAME
DATE OF PASSING 9/24/24 9/12/24 9/12/24 9/10/24 9/8/24 9/3/24
Robert M. Anderson
Thomas J. Doucette, Jr.
John J. Ward*
Jonathan D. Marquardt
Mark C. Wood
DATE OF PASSING 9/1/24
8/31/24 7/13/24 7/4/24 6/9/24
*Indicates Life Member
BOSTON IS A UNION CITY CHARITABLE GIVING
Boston has a rich history of labor activism and union support, making it a stronghold for workers' rights. This legacy dates back to the 19th century when the city played a pivotal role in the labor movement during the Industrial Revolution. As factories and industries grew, so did the challenges workers faced, including long hours, unsafe conditions, and low wages. In response, workers in Boston banded together to form unions, striving for better working conditions and fair pay.
One of the city’s most famous labor events was the Bread and Roses Strike of 1912 in nearby Lawrence, Massachusetts, where
textile workers—many of them immigrants— fought for fair wages and working conditions. Though not within Boston’s boundaries, the spirit of the strike inspired similar movements within the city.
Today, Boston continues to be a union stronghold. Boston’s political leadership has historically supported unions, with city officials often backing organized labor in disputes and pushing for pro-worker legislation. This relationship between the city and unions has helped keep Boston a place where the rights of workers are defended, and unions remain a vital part of the city's identity.
Pipefitters Local 537 believes in giving back to the community that supports our members. Through donations to local charities, we fulfill our social responsibility and strengthen community bonds. By supporting organizations that provide essential services, education, and healthcare, Local 537 contributes to the welfare and growth of the community. These donations reflect the union's values of solidarity and compassion, ensuring
that those in need receive assistance and opportunities for a better future. By investing in local charities, we help enrich lives, foster goodwill, and demonstrate our commitment to making a positive impact beyond the workplace.
In 2024, we were proud to give around $100,000 to charities such as MDA, Dana Farber, Greater Boston Food Bank, Pine Street Inn, and Shriners Children’s Hospital Boston.
Wikimedia Commons
Workers picket with signs around the textile mill as the Lawrence textile strike begins in 1912.
