Pipefitters Local 537 Spring/Summer 2021 Newsletter

PIPEFITTERS LOCAL 537 & NEW ENGLAND MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION

SPRING/SUMMER 2021 NEWSLETTER

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PROJECT SPOTLIGHT:

LOGAN AIRPORT

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BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT

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UNION NEWS

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PROJECT SPOTLIGHT: BOSTON LOGAN’S TERMINAL E

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LABOR WINS FROM WASHINGTON

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FROM THE TRAINING CENTER

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

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LOCAL 537 AT WORK

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IN THE NEWS

Local 537 represents over 3,000 members across Massachusetts and is affiliated with the United Association. From medical campuses to area universities, Local 537 is proud to have worked on projects of all shapes and sizes throughout the region for over 100 years. Local 537 continues to provide career opportunities to apprentices and journeypersons in the industry and is determined to ensure the best wages and benefits for Pipefitters, Welders, and HVAC - Refrigeration Technicians.

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BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT

Our ranks are also growing thanks to the formalization of a partnership with Atalian Suburban Mechanical. These new members had the chance to visit the Hall and be sworn in this spring. We look forward to continuing our robust organizing efforts this summer.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Slowly but surely, life is returning to a new sense of normal. Millions of residents across the region have gotten vaccinated, and states are starting to re-open businesses and loosen restrictions. While these are reasons to be optimistic, I encourage you and your family members to get vaccinated if you haven't already done so and continue to follow all CDC guidelines. Let’s keep each other and our communities safe.

We’re emerging from this pandemic as a stronger, more united Local. We recently celebrated 92 pipefitting and HVAC-Refrigeration graduates who are joining our ranks as journeypersons.

These graduating students overcame unprecedented challenges to complete their certifications on time. We salute them, along with our talented Training Center staff, for their dedication as they take their place among the region’s building trades.

The United Association’s General Convention is a go this August in San Diego. Congratulations to all of the elected officials and thank you to all who ran and came out and voted. On behalf of our whole team, I am grateful for your patience as we recounted votes to determine representation.

Thank you all for your continued hard work to support our communities. Get vaccinated when you’re able, and have a safe, productive, and healthy summer.

In Solidarity,

Thomas P. Kerr, Jr.

Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer Pipefitters Local 537

Pipefitters Local 537 | Spring/Summer 2021

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UNION N E W S

THANK YOU, TIM GILLIGAN Brother Timothy T. Gilligan, former Business Agent - Refrigeration Division, Training Coordinator, and a member for nearly four decades, retired this spring. Tim’s leadership, service, and mentorship have had a tremendous impact on our Local and our industry.

A graduate of Local 537’s apprenticeship class of 1983, Tim worked as a certified welder before taking on various leadership roles in the Local.

He served as a foreman, welding instructor, JAC member, and educational trustee before

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becoming the training coordinator for eight years. In his earlier years, Tim was also an avid boxer. We’re honored to have learned from, and worked alongside, this great leader, friend, and Brother. As a token of our appreciation, we compiled and sent Tim a book of memories and well-wishes from the Local 537 community.

Thank you to all who participated.

Congratulations on your retirement, Tim! We wish you the very best in your next chapter.

UNION NEWS

SPECIAL ELECTION RESULTS May 1, 2021 We're pleased to officially share the results of our May 1, 2021 election. Thank you to all those who ran and to those who came out to vote.

Congratulations to the following elected and re-elected officials: Business Agent – Refrigeration Division Brian Nicholson Vice President Ryan Gilligan Executive Board John Kelly William Kerrigan

Examining Board Christopher Carroll Michael Palm Educational Trustee Daniel T. O’Brien

Pipefitters Local 537 | Spring/Summer 2021

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UNION N E W S

CELEBRATING OUR 50-YEAR AND 51-YEAR MEMBERS In June, we had the opportunity to recognize not just one, but two classes of 50-year members. Last year's 50-year members were unable to celebrate their achievement due to COVID-19. This year, we held a joint ceremony to honor our 50- and 51-year members at the Venezia Restaurant on the Boston waterfront. Each member received a special 50-year pin and a watch. The two groups represent Local 537's apprentice classes of 1970 and 1971.

Please join us in celebrating this special occasion for some of Local 537's most accomplished members. Congratulations to all and thank you for your many years of service!

50-YEAR MEMBERS

51-YEAR MEMBERS

2021 HONOREES

John T. Brogan Joseph Cardoza James W. Costello Lawrence T. David James F. DeLoughrey John J. Desmond William J. Donlan Joseph P. Donohue David E. Dyson Robert F. Frazier Robert L. Gibbons Donald H. Harris, Jr. John A. Howard, Jr. Paul W. Katapodis Charles M. Keith Joseph P. Kelly Robert D. Killian John T. Lydon Ill Donald J. MacEachern Edgar L. Martin, Jr. Paul F. Martin Joseph G. McAndrew

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2020 HONOREES John K. McCarthy Cary T. McDermott William D. Milward, Jr. Robert J. Mitton James C. Mullen Thomas L. Nary Thomas E. Nashawaty William F. Norris James T. O’Sullivan Robert Pizzelli John J. Ragucci Edward V. Rielly Frank R. Roque David C. Saviano Robert C. Schwartz Royal L. Sibley Michael E. Smith Paul A. Stuart Paul T. Sullivan Vinal G. Teague C. Daniel Watts Frank D. Zottoli, Sr.

Donald F. Albertine, Jr. Patrick P. Arsenault Robert E. Aunchman Thomas R. Bernazzani Patrick J. Buckley Thomas M. Burke W. Paul Cadogan Robert S. DeBoer Thomas F. Downey Edwin R. Egan Peter A. Figueira Edwin R. Fitzpatrick David A. Frost Thomas P. Gnoza Francis E. Hamilton Kenneth W. Haskell Joseph J. Hunt Charles E. Huntley Alfred J. Jones, Jr. William W. Jordan John P. Kelty, Jr. John E. Liberatore

Richard A. Lynch William W. Maciak, Jr. William J. Murphy Thomas B. Newton John P. Pike Timothy J. Qualter, Jr. Fred F. Ranahan Timothy G. Rice Francesco Rosati Anthony Russo Robert A. Shuffleton Robert D. Siciliano Rodney C. Solomon Joseph J. Stone, Jr. Marshall W. Thompson Richard S. Tomaino William C. Young, Jr.

ORGANIZING ALERT:

L to R: Business Agent James O’Brien, Business Manager Thomas P. Kerr, Kevin Delaney, Organizer Christopher Brennan, Shayla Cassey, new members Jonathan Bateman, Joseph Barufaldi, Jason Johnson, Luis Andrade, Ron Nadeau, Fernando Solorzano, Paul Pendoley, Mike Adley, Thomas Huddleston, Nelson Mendez, Wayne Johnson , Brian Horsman, Mike Cook, President Daniel Cody Not pictured: Franklin Fernandez Please Note: Shayla is not part of the organizing campaign with Atalian.

WELCOME ATALIAN MECHANICAL Boosting union organizing is a top labor initiative for the new administration. President Biden and Vice President Harris have convened a task force focused on empowering workers to organize and successfully bargain with their employers. In fact, 60 million American workers say that they would join a union if given the chance.

It’s easy to see why. When we organize, we prioritize job safety, uphold industry-leading wages and benefits, build stronger communities, and much more.

That’s why, amidst a global pandemic, our team met new organizing challenges head on. And this hard work has paid off. We’ve officially sworn in experienced pipefitters and HVAC-R technicians

from Atalian Suburban Mechanical into our great union. Zoom calls, socially distanced meetings in parking lots, and other unconventional tactics, helmed by Organizer Chris Brennan, helped these workers achieve a collective voice.

These negotiations represent the first-ever union contract at Atalian Suburban Mechanical and could expand organizing efforts across our region as Atalian also has subsidiaries in New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

Fighting for the right to come together and organize is more important than ever. If you see an Atalian Suburban Mechanical member out on the job, give them a warm welcome!

Pipefitters Local 537 | Spring/Summer 2021

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PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

LOGAN AIRPORT

TAKING FLIGHT AT BOSTON LOGAN'S TERMINAL E EXPANSION

As air traffic slowly picks up at Boston Logan, Local 537 members are staying busy working on Phase 1 of the Terminal E modernization project. Terminal E, home to all 56 of Boston Logan's international destinations from Amsterdam to Istanbul, has long been due for an upgrade – and Local 537 members are making sure that the job is done right.

The new Terminal E will feature 320,000 additional square feet of space with four new gates, spacious waiting areas, an advanced TSA checkpoint, new dining and retail options, and more. These improvements will solidify Boston

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Logan as a hub of international travel now and for years to come.

Local 537's workforce at J.F. White is helping achieve one of the project's main goals: improving the sustainability and energy efficiency of the new-and-improved terminal. Pipefitters are well-equipped to quickly assemble state-ofthe-art piping systems of this size. Their work, along with the energy-efficient ventilation and air conditioning systems, will play a critical role in maintaining comfortable temperatures in the terminal while cutting energy costs.

The team's work is expected to pass statewide sustainability standards with flying colors, too.

Upon completion, Terminal E is slated to operate at least 20% more efficiently than required

by Massachusetts Energy Code.

Phase 1 of the expansion is scheduled to wrap up in 2021, and Phase 2 will be completed in 2026. Thanks to the excellent work of Local 537 members and our Brothers and Sisters in the building trades, Boston Logan International Airport will be able to power our region's economy into the future.

Please note: This feature represents only a handful of the many members currently working at Boston Logan in a variety of installation, service, and maintenance capacities.

However, many members work in off-access locations and as such, could not be photographed.

Opposite Page: Back Row (L-R) Jeremy Gaurino, Damon Ellis, Matt Mcauley, Zach Samya, Dana Florence, Business Agent Danny O’Brien, Mike Anastasia, Bobby Lentz, Judd Vail, Neal Barhight, Ron Williams.

Front Row (L-R) Mike Mullany, Shawn Kingston, Marshal Robbins, Matt Shiner.

Above: HVAC-R technicians are installing 30 pumps, 4 shell and tube heat exchangers, 4 VRF cooling systems, 14 AHUs, 6 ERUs, and over 5 miles of new piping.

Pipefitters Local 537 | Spring/Summer 2021

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LABOR WINS FROM

WASHINGTON

MARTY WALSH

A LABOR SECRETARY FOR WORKING PEOPLE

Boston's own Marty Walsh is only a few months into his new post as U.S. Secretary of Labor, but he's already hard at work protecting unions, advocating for COVID-19 economic recovery efforts, and setting President Biden's infrastructure plan in motion.

Marty's an incredible ally to have in Washington and he's been a great friend of ours in City Hall and on Beacon Hill. He was even here as a guest

of honor at our pipefitting ceremony for our Training Center in 2019. While we'll miss running into Marty around Dorchester and at union events, we couldn't be more proud to call him Secretary Walsh.

"As a former construction worker, I know a good job can change your life. As Labor Secretary, I stand ready to make sure opportunities reach workers from all walks of life and in every corner of our country.”

- U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh

Vice President Harris swears in Marty Walsh as Labor Secretary on March 23, 2021 Secretary Walsh with Local 537 Pipefitter Mike Martino, right, on a job site visit

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PUTTING WORKERS FIRST IN WASHINGTON President Biden promised to be the "strongest labor president" in American history and prioritize working families. While we still have a long way to go, here are some of the administration's top wins for the American worker:

Investing in Infrastructure: the American Jobs Plan

Strengthening Unions with the PRO Act If passed, the Protect the Right to Organize (PRO) Act would bolster organized labor. The Act would repeal numerous anti-union policies, prohibit permanent replacement workers during strikes, ban "Right to Work" laws, and empower workers to exercise the freedom to organize and bargain. The Act was passed by the House in March and has not yet been taken up by the Senate.

President Biden unveiled the American Jobs Plan, a sweeping infrastructure bill, which would make historic investments to piping systems, public buildings, transit systems, and waterways. It also includes funding for high-quality, inclusive training programs like ours at Local 537.

Safeguarding Union Apprenticeships During his first month in office, President Biden put an end to so-called "Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs" (IRAPs) through Executive Order. IRAPs were a direct attack on union apprenticeship programs that sought to undercut safety, training, and wage standards.

The House of Representatives also passed the National Apprenticeship Act, which would invest $3.5 billion into registered training programs.

COVID-19 Relief for Working Families The pandemic brought new economic challenges for many workers, but President Biden's American Rescue Plan provided much-needed relief. The Plan expanded unemployment benefits, sent $1,400 direct payments to individuals, and provided critical funds for small businesses and schools to reopen safely.

Pipefitters Local 537 | Spring/Summer 2021

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FROM THE TRAINING CENTER

CELEBRATING OUR GRADUATES

Congratulations to Local 537's newest class of apprentice graduates! In April, 92 of our pipefitting and HVAC-R apprentices celebrated their Completion Ceremony, joining our ranks as full journeypersons in Local 537.

Our apprentices and instructors did an incredible job adapting to these unique times. When our Training Center closed last year due to COVID-19, most classroom courses moved to an online format. In-person classes were significantly adapted to adhere to public health protocols.

We're immensely proud of the skill, craftsmanship, and character that our graduates have shown throughout their apprenticeships.

Above all, our apprentices' resilience throughout this difficult year will serve them well throughout their careers.

We hope to resume our celebrations in the future, where we can invite family, friends, and members.

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1. L-R: David Foley, Zachary Salmone, Oscar Ramirez 2. Business Manager Tom Kerr and graduate Kevin DeCoste 3. Graduates Sean Peterson, Tyler Hobbs, John Donovan, and Eric Dutra.

4. Former Business Manager and United Association Director of HVAC-R Services Brian Kelly was the featured speaker at the ceremony.

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SPOTLIGHT ON OUR GRADUATES Before starting his apprenticeship, pipefitter Keith Cerqueira worked as a truck driver for the HVAC-R industry.

Keith wanted to learn more about pipefitting, especially copper work and welding. "I wanted to join Local 537 to be part of a team that gets a project done,” says Keith. While many of Keith's family members work in the union building trades, Keith is the first pipefitter.

Keith Cerqueira, Class President Middleton, MA

Keith is proud to be a Brother in Local 537. “We all take care of each other,” he says. Looking back on his apprenticeship, Keith credits the dedicated instructors "who are always willing to help you learn."

Keith is looking forward to a lifelong career with Local 537.

He hopes to take on more responsibilities and opportunities when they come along, as well as continuing to learn about his trade and earning additional certifications.

“I want to grab life with both hands and take whatever I can,” he says.

New pipefitter Tyler D'Agati began her apprenticeship with Local 537 after graduating from Greater Lawrence Technical School. A resident of Methuen, MA, she was inspired to join the piping trades by the prospect of a strong, lifelong career.

One of Tyler's role models is her mother, a former construction worker. Another is Leanne Scopa, a fellow Local 537 pipefitter whom Tyler was partnered with during her apprenticeship.

Tyler D'Agati Methuen, MA

"Joining Local 537 as a pipefitter was a step out of my comfort zone," said Tyler, "but it is the best decision I could have made for my future." Going forward in her career, Tyler wants to take on more challenges, particularly those that intimidated her as an apprentice.

Pipefitters Local 537 | Spring/Summer 2021

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Front row (L to R): Paul McGrath (Training Coordinator), Christopher Brennan (Organizer), Thomas Kerr (Business Manager), Brian Nicholson (Business Agent Refrigeration), Dan O'Brien (Business Agent At-Large) 2nd Row (L to R): Zachery Laurinaitis, Nicholas Zaccari, Steven Mulligan, Brian Murphy, Paul Lyons, Matthew Takis, Edward Page, Patrick Mahoney, Jonathan Gray, Travis Herring, Derek Fuller, Jacob Majeski 3rd Row (L to R): Shane Soloski, James McCarthy, Michael Coln, Tyler Boissonneault, Anthony Carter, Michael Kozlowski, Nicholas Frenzo, Shane Donovan, Nicholas DiCredico, Sean Peterson, Mark Woolard 4th Row (L to R): Todd Eastman, Colin Ronayne, Joseph Reardon, Keith Reissfelder, Ryan Whitten, Eric Solomon, Michael Cheevers, Michael Barnard, Dylan James, Ryan Macaluso, Michael LaRosa 5th Row (L to R): Zachary Bernard, Sean Boudreau, Eric Dutra, John Donovan, Tyler Hobbs, Taylor Eastman Not Pictured: Jonathan Bates, Oliver Long

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Pipefitters Local 537 | Spring/Summer 2021

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Front row (L to R): Paul McGrath (Training Coordinator), Christopher Brennan (Organizer), Thomas Kerr (Business Manager), Brian Nicholson (Business Agent Refrigeration), Dan O'Brien (Business Agent At-Large) 2nd Row (L to R): David Foley, Sean White, Michael Barter, Kevon Hackett, Michael Sodergren, James Gomez, Ryan McColgan, Timothy Potts, Tyler D'Agati, Zachary Salamone, David Blois 3rd Row (L to R): John Blanchard, Ryan Drew, Jonathan Murphy, Eric Doucette, Cameron Taylor, David Belsito, Brett Hurd, Frank DiFazio, Ryan Harding, Adam Gabaree, Rickie Thompson 4th Row (L to R): Thaddeus Kuznicki, John Hardy, Christopher Keogh, Brian Smith, Cory Secure, Joseph Downing, Francis Welter, Cody Martin, Jonathan Doucette, Kevin DeCoste, Brian Perry, Dylan O'Berry 5th Row (L to R): Cole Tremblay, Andrew Pruell, Kevin Capuzzo, Brett Leach, Stephen Burke, Keith Cerqueira, Oscar Ramirez, Corey Murphy, Austin Harrington Not Pictured: Jacob Anderson, Eric Ceurvels, Michael Doe, Samuel Gomez, Sean Harrington, Corey Palmer, Ralph Rene

THE FUTURE OF LOCAL 537 Congratulations to our newest class of Local 537 pipefitters and HVAC-R technicians!

Ninety-two of our hardworking apprentices celebrated their Completion Ceremony on Saturday, April 24, 2021. Please join us in honoring this year's graduates: Pipefitters Jacob Anderson Kingston, MA Michael Barter Braintree, MA David Belsito Rutland, MA John Blanchard Bedford, NH David Blois Hudson, NH Stephen Burke Braintree, MA Kevin Capuzzo Avon, MA Keith Cerqueira Middleton, MA Eric Ceurvels Abington, MA Tyler D'Agati Methuen, MA Kevin DeCoste Hull, MA Frank Difazio Abington, MA Michael Doe Everett, MA Eric Doucette Chelmsford, MA Jonathan Doucette Methuen, MA

HVACRefrigeration:

David Foley Taunton, MA

Corey Palmer Derry, NH

Adam Gabaree Medford, MA

Brian Perry Hudson, NH

Samuel Gomez Hyde Park, MA

Timothy Potts Milton, MA

Jonathan Bates Franklin, MA

James Gomez Quincy, MA

Andrew Pruell Franklin, MA

Zachary Bernard Douglas, MA

Kevon Hackett Boston, MA

Oscar Ramirez Framingham, MA

Tyler Boissonneault Pelham, NH

Ryan Harding Kingston, MA

Ralph Rene Randolph, MA

Sean Boudreau Stoughton, MA

John Hardy Pembroke, MA

Zachary Salamone Wakefield, MA

Anthony Carter Berkley, MA

Sean Harrigan Scituate, MA

Cory Secore Boylston, MA

Michael Cheevers Billerica, M

Austin Harrington Tewksbury, MA

Brian Smith East Hampstead, NH

Michael Coln Dorchester, MA

Bret Hurd Raynham, MA

Michael Sodergren Stoneham, MA

Christopher Keogh Malden, MA

Cameron Taylor Pelham, NH

Thaddeus Kuznicki Tewksbury, MA

Rickie Thompson Mattapan, MA

Shane Donovan Billerica, MA

Brett Leach Taunton, MA

Cole Tremblay Groveland, MA

Eric Dutra Easton, MA

Cody Martin Newfields, NH

Francis Welter Walpole, MA

Taylor Eastman Methuen, MA

Ryan McColgan Marlborough, MA

Sean White Wakefield, MA

Todd Eastman Rockland, MA

Corey Murphy Cohasset, MA

Joseph Downing West Bridgewater, MA Jonathan Murphy Lowell, MA Ryan Drew Dylan O'Berry Whitman, MA New Bedford, MA

Michael Barnard Derry, NH

Travis Herring Weymouth, MA

Keith Reissfelder Lakeville, MA

Tyler Hobbs Groveland, MA

Colin Ronayne West Roxbury, MA

Dylan James Billerica, MA

Eric Solomon Franklin, MA

Michael Kozlowski Stoneham, MA

Shane Soloski Billerica, MA

Michael LaRosa Billerica, MA

Matthew Takis Salem, MA

Zachery Laurinaitis Dorchester, MA

Ryan Whitten Plymouth, MA

Oliver Long Plymouth, MA

Mark Woolard Quincy, MA

Paul Lyons Walpole, MA

Nicholas Zaccari Braintree, MA

Ryan Macaluso Nicholas DiCredico, III Abington, MA Saugus, MA Patrick Mahoney Rockland, MA John Donovan Nashua, NH

Nicholas Frenzo Reading, MA Derek Fuller North Smithfield, RI Jonathan Gray North Smithfield, RI

Jacob Majeski Billerica, MA James McCarthy Billerica, MA Steven Mulligan North Easton, MA Brian Murphy Melrose, MA Edward Page Salem, NH Sean Peterson Groveland, MA Joseph Reardon Plymouth, MA

Veteran Class President

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1. Thomas Kerr, Business Manager and graduate Taylor Eastman 2. Graduate Frank DiFazio & Brian Nicholson, Business Agent - Refrigeration 3. L-R: Graduate Kevon Hackett; Paul McGrath, Training Coordinator; Brian Kelly, Former Business Manager and United Association Director of HVAC-R Services

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For Framingham's Oscar Ramirez, a long road to the American Dream

Metro North Pipefitters Ready to Build Back Communities

Dorchester Reporter

New class of Boston pipefitters ready to build back communities Newest pipefitters ready to build back the state - 92 apprentices graduate Pipefitters Local 537 | Spring/Summer 2021

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MEMBER

SPOTLIGHT

HEROISM IN ACTION HAYDEN MARK

Throughout the pandemic, Local 537 members have gone above and beyond for their communities. EMCOR HVAC-R technician Hayden Mark demonstrated exactly that when he helped save the lives of two strangers.

This spring, Hayden came to the aid of individuals in medical distress on two separate occasions. Thanks to his help, both people are now doing well.

The first incident occurred on the job at Brandeis University where Hayden found a woman having a seizure. Hayden called 911 and acted as a translator between the Spanish-speaking woman and paramedics.

Hayden didn’t leave until the paramedics arrived and the woman was in stable condition.

Two weeks later, Hayden was on his way to work and stopped for breakfast. He saw a woman choking and performed the Heimlich maneuver. He dislodged a pill blocking her airway and stayed with her until paramedics arrived.

Hayden's stories exemplify true heroism in action.

In recognition of his quick thinking and life-saving actions, EMCOR Services Northeast presented him an Employee Excellence Award in March. Congratulations, Brother Mark!

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#537STRONG

REMEMBERING RORY BURROWS

Rory with his two sons, Rory, Jr. and Kevin

Brother Roderick "Rory" Burrows, a proud member of Pipefitters 537 for over 30 years, passed away from cancer on March 24, 2021.

He was a friend and Brother to many of us.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Rory's family, especially his wife Kerry and sons Rory, 11, and Kevin, 8. Friends and family members have set up a fundraiser for Rory's sons to support the boys as they grow up. We hope you'll consider making a donation.

Rory worked at TG Gallagher, J.C. Higgins, and General Air. At just 47 years old, he was taken from us too soon.

In addition to being a skilled, hardworking pipefitter, Rory was a Boston sports fan, an excellent athlete, and a devoted father whose boys meant the world to him.

Rory's legacy will continue to shine through his sons.

To visit the fundraiser page for Rory's sons, scan the QR code with your smartphone's camera.

Pipefitters Local 537 | Spring/Summer 2021

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LOCAL 537 AT WORK 1

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1. The Local 537 community supporting striking nurses at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester on Mother's Day. Photo: Julie Hemingway.

2. Apprentices getting hands-on training at the Local 537 Training Center. Photo: Bill Kerrigan.

3. Apprentice Braiden Moesta fabricating strong backs for a high-rise apartment building in Boston. Photo: Steve Snow.

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We've been hard at work building and servicing our region this spring and summer. Take a look at some of the job site photos from your Brothers and Sisters.

8 4. Mig welding Boston537 we set the standard. Union pride!

Photo: Jason Brunet 5. Pipefitters Local 537's 1981 HVAC-Refrigeration Graduation Class. Photo: Brian Milward 6. This was a jacking pit next to Albany Street we had to stuff 400' of 30" under the T lines. This line continued to South Station then reduced to 2-20" lines.

Photo: Ron Daunais

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Get featured on Local 537's Facebook, Twitter, and in the upcoming newsletter!

Share your job site photos with us by emailing your photo to local537photos@617MediaGroup.com with your name, contractor, and job site.

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10 7. US Air Conditioning-Heating, Inc. Chiller Mechanical Upgrade. Photo: Patrick S. Clifford 8. The JC Higgins crew at the Children’s Hospital on Foreman Mick Morgan's last day before he retired. The whole team is vaccinated, care of the hospital. Photo: Derek Harding 9. General Foreman Mike Howard and Journeyman Chris Keogh rigging pipe for Sanofi expansion at Cambridge Crossing, Parcel G. Photo: Mike Howard.

10. Boston College Connection: Apprentice Josh Somaono, nephew of Dave Thomas '85, Journeywoman Sandra Williams '84, Apprentice Zach Ruth, son of Mike Ruth, '86.

Josh's uncle and Zach's father played Boston College football on the Cotton Bowl team in 1985.

Photo: Sandra Williams

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IN THE NEWS

WOMEN BUILDING BOSTON Local 537 Pipefitter Julie Hemingway shared her life-changing story of joining the piping trades in the Taunton Daily Gazette in April.

There's a Bright Spot for Women in this Pandemic: Union Building Trades A year into the pandemic and one thing is clear: women have disproportionately borne the brunt of caring for family members, juggling remote school and child care, underemployment and job losses. Since the beginning of the pandemic, more than 2.5 million women have left the U.S. workforce. Even with these challenges, there are reasons to be optimistic: women are increasingly joining the union building trades for great, family-sustaining careers.

In spite of the negative national outlook for women's employment, the percentage of women in Massachusetts union apprenticeships is higher than ever, despite all the hardships we faced in 2020. In Boston, building trades unions have twice the national average of female apprentices. COVID-19 isn't stopping tradeswomen from breaking barriers.

For many women, you can make the decision to further your education and receive adequate benefits and equal pay. I know because I did it. I was working deadend jobs with no benefits after I got out of the Army — telemarketing and door-to-door sales. But 16 years ago, I made the life-changing move to join Pipefitters Local 537. After five years of the apprenticeship program, working full time and attending school, I became a Union Pipefitter with UA Local 537 Boston. Joining a union opened up my future, and I've never looked back.

A career in the union-building trades provides worldclass job training, a lifelong career, job stability, and excellent benefits. I joined as a third-generation pipefitter, following my grandfather and my father into the trades. I've had the chance to help build universities, power plants, and cutting-edge medical labs with a great team.

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That's in large part because Locals like mine have committed to creating space and opportunities for women.

Pipefitters Local 537 has been nothing but supportive of me. They are 100% behind anyone who shows up wanting to do the job. In fact, Local 537 is a regional leader in promoting diversity and equality in the building trades.

In 2019, we welcomed an apprentice class with 60% more women than the year before. Many efforts drove this tremendous growth, including the Local's outreach at job fairs and partnerships with programs like Building Pathways, which offers career opportunities in the construction trades to women and people of color.

Union tradeswomen are continuing to strengthen our bonds of sisterhood and encourage even more women to join. With my two Sisters, Jane Walsh and Savy Francis, we founded the Women's Committee for Local 537 to help build a network of women within our Local and give back to 537. I've been fortunate to hear from many other women who describe their experiences in a similar way.

When you get to learn a new trade, apply your hardearned skills every day, and thrive in a career that lets you support your family, the opportunities are endless.

Right now, many women feel stuck in their careers or disappointed by the choices or lack of opportunity they see before them. If you’re willing to put in the work and show up on time every day, you already have everything you need to succeed in the building trades. You don't need any experience; you get on-the-job training. I'm here to tell other women: doors in the trades are open, and there are non-traditional opportunities within the union building trades. The future for women in the trades is bright, and it's yours for the taking.

TRAINING CENTER

SETTING THE STANDARD: RIGGING CERTIFICATION

SPOTLIGHT

Our Local 537 members and apprentices receive the best training in the business, thanks to our talented instructors and our state-of-the-art Training Center facilities in Dorchester.

We make sure that apprentices get hands-on practice and training for the technical skills they'll need throughout their careers. This summer, instructors are holding rigging certification tests on site at the Training Center. With new certifications under their belts, our apprentices are prepared to meet new challenges at the Local 537 standard.

Well done to our apprentices, and thank you as always to our dedicated instructors.

Above: L to R: Rigging Instructor Steve Parsons, Assistant Business Manager Paul Campbell, Matt Caldwell, Dennis Richardson, Mike Tortomasi, Rigging Instructor Neal Barhight

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Pipefitters Local 537 40 Enterprise Street Dorchester, MA 02125

REFER A FRIEND CONTEST! REFER A FRIEND FOR A CHANCE TO WIN RED SOX GEAR! Know a licensed, non-union pipefitter or HVAC-R technician? Provide their name and contact information to Organizer Chris Brennan for a chance to win Red Sox gear. You'll be entered into the raffle for each referral.

Share entries by email with Chris Brennan: cbrennan@pipefitters537.com

Pipefitters537.org