Pipefitters Local 537 Summer 2023

BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT

Brothers and Sisters,

I'm very proud to report on the recent accomplishments of our union and its members. The summer season is often a busy time for construction projects, and Local 537 members are active in housing and commercial construction job sites throughout Massachusetts.

Construction projects in our territory continue to keep many of our brothers and sisters busy. The South Station Tower project, Xmbly Row in Somerville, Suffolk Downs Development in Revere, and another phase at Moderna in Norwood are just a few that come to mind. We're excited to see many of our members working on these projects.

I'm also honored to recognize the recent graduates of our nationally-recognized Apprenticeship Program and to welcome this next generation of journeyman and journeywoman pipefitters, welders, and HVAC-technicians into our ranks.

During their apprenticeship, they received extensive training that helped them to master everything from the basics to the newest cutting-edge tools and technology today. This class included three amazing women apprentices, reflecting Local 537’s ongoing commitment to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women, people of color, and young people throughout the building trades. Congratulations to our graduates, and I look forward to seeing you for years to come on future job sites and at our union events.

I also want to congratulate our recent 50-year pin ceremony honorees! We are forever grateful for your commitment to Local 537 throughout your career. We appreciate your incredible service, and your willingness to pass your knowledge on to newer members.

This year, several of our instructors are proud to participate in the United Association's 69 th Instructors Training Program (ITP). The UA ITP is specifically designed for our instructors to improve

their teaching techniques, diversify their mechanical skills, and enhance their knowledge of the scientific and technical elements of our trade. We thank our instructors for their continued commitment to go to this vigorous training program.

As part of our ongoing priorities to make our voices heard on issues that affect our members and our profession, Local 537 is actively supporting a proposed bill to regulate work done on refrigerated systems in homes and businesses. This bill would require refrigeration technicians in Massachusetts to obtain licenses in order to install, repair, maintain, or replace refrigeration systems with under 10-ton capacity. This requirement will enhance protections for workers, their project sites, and their communities.

As always, I encourage you to reach out to the union office with any questions that you may have.

Have a safe and fun-filled summer!

In solidarity,

Daniel T. O'Brien Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer Pipefitters Local 537

APPRENTICE CONTEST AND WINNERS

We are proud to announce that three of our outstanding apprentices who claimed victory in the highly-competitive Massachusetts 2023 Apprentice Contest have once again showcased their exceptional skills and dedication by triumphing in the 2023 District 1 Apprentice Contest.

Please join us in celebrating the following Local 537 apprentices, who have made us proud:

1. Brian Schuster, Welding

2. David Kenneally II , Pipefitting

3. Michael Owens , Refrigeration/HVAC

These apprentices have proven themselves to be exemplary craftsmen, embodying the unwavering commitment and professionalism of Pipefitters Local 537. Their remarkable achievements reflect not only their personal talent and hard work but also the outstanding training they have received at our Training Center.

“I’m proud to have earned first place in welding, and it was made possible by the support of my fellow apprentices and our training instructors,” Brian said. “I am confident that my time in the program has set me up for success in my future.”

“Under the guidance of Local 537’s instructors, I’ve developed a skill set that I am proud of,” David said.

“It’s an honor to represent my Local as the winner of the refrigeration/HVAC contest,” Michael said.

“This year’s contestants embraced the challenge and displayed their best skill. I’m proud to recognize these winners and commend them for their proficiency,” said Paul McGrath, Local 537 Training Coordinator.

Our training center is a pinnacle of excellence in our industry, and this latest triumph by Brian, David, and Michael further validates its standing as the best in New England. The dedication of our instructors, the comprehensive curriculum, and the state-of-the-art facilities all play a crucial role in shaping the skills and capabilities of our apprentices.

APPRENTICE GRADUATION: CONGRATULATIONS TO LOCAL 537’S GRADUATING CLASS OF 2023

Congratulations to the Apprenticeship Graduating Class of 2023! We were so proud to celebrate this outstanding group at an event on April 21 for successfully completing their five-year apprenticeship program.

These graduates have now joined the ranks of over 3,000 pipefitters and HVAC-Refrigeration technicians as full journeypersons. We’re so proud of all they have achieved and to recognize them as Journeymen and Journeywomen members of Pipefitters Local 537.

Each of these graduates is equipped to safely, efficiently, and effectively perform top-notch work on active job sites. We are grateful to have them in our membership and look forward to sharing in their accomplishments throughout their careers.

“This class has shown true determination throughout their apprenticeship,” said Paul McGrath, Local 573 Training Coordinator. “Their skills are in high demand as we continue to build the region. Each of the graduates has a bright future and many exciting opportunities ahead.”

PIPEFITTERS 537 APPRENTICE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY 2023

The Local 537 Class of 2023 Apprenticeship swearing-in ceremony was held in April at the Training Center, and we welcomed 132 new apprentices.

Our apprenticeship program allows participants to transform their lives, with many going from lowpaying jobs to solidly middle-class careers with strong benefits. Our apprentices can “earn while they learn,” and many get invaluable on-the-job experience while taking classes at night. After completing the rigorous five-year training program, participants graduate as union journeypersons with strong jobs, great benefits, and most important of all — zero debt.

PIPEFITTERS 537 APPRENTICE EVALUATIONS 2023

Local 537 hosted an evaluation of their 2nd year HVAC service apprentices in April. It was held on the second and third floors of the Union Hall/Training Center.

This day was an important opportunity for those in training to prove their skills and display the quality of their work.

2023 50-YEAR PIN RECIPIENTS

Local 537 proudly honored members of our union who have reached half a century of service with a 50-year pin ceremony. Members who reached their 50th year and their families gathered together to celebrate.

We wish to thank the members who received their pins and express our gratitude for their dedication to the Local. Our union is made stronger by their example. Congratulations to all on reaching this significant milestone!

For our full list of honorees, please check out the back cover.

2023 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

Refrigeration Licensing Bill

As part of our commitment to improving energy efficiency and safeguarding our environment, Local 537 is supporting legislation to regulate work done on refrigerated systems in homes and businesses. The bill would require refrigeration technicians in Massachusetts to obtain licenses in order to install, repair, maintain, or replace refrigeration systems with under 10-ton capacity.

Bill HD.2642 in the House, and SD1355 in the Senate, known as An Act Relative to Refigeration Technicians, would strengthen the definition of “registered” technicians to include regulations for

Cambridge Community Center Focuses on Strengthening People and Communities

Pipefitters Local 537 members were proud to join State Rep. Marjorie Decker (D-Middlesex) and other elected officials to visit the Cambridge Community Center, learn about the new services and programs being offered at the center, and participate in a roundtable discussion about the center’s future.

Business Manager-Financial

Secretary/Treasurer

Danny O'Brien, Business Agent Brian Nicholson, and Assistant Business Manager James M. O’Brien, were among the Local 537 leaders in attendance. Located between Central Square and Memorial Drive, the Cambridge Community Center is a nonprofit organization that works to meet the changing needs of youth, families, and seniors living in Cambridge and its surrounding communities, and has been offering innovative programs and services for over 90 years.

evaluation and licensing. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Nick Collins, Sen. Sal DiDomenico, and Rep. David Biele.

Refrigeration work is a learned skill. Ensuring that workers are licensed will protect us, our project sites, our communities, and even the planet. As we all know, if handled improperly, common refrigerants included in air conditioners and refrigeration systems can damage the environment.

We encourage all Local 537 members to contact their elected officials and let them know you support this important legislation, and that you expect them to safeguard the health and safety of workers and our communities.

The center provides a range of services, including a school-age program that offers classes ranging from karate to improv training that take place when the city’s schools are closed, free year-round programs for teenagers offering mental health and other supports, and more.

Our union is dedicated to supporting and working with organizations like the Cambridge Community Center who are committed to building strong communities.

Left to right: Rep. Marjorie Decker, James M. O’Brien, Terence M. Sweeney, Daniel E. Coady, and Daniel O'Brien.

• Thank you, Brother Mike Lesley, for your incredible commitment to running a football league for children in our community. Your dedication and passion for building the future through sports is truly commendable.

GET FEATURED

Send us your job site photos to be featured in Local 537's next newsletter! We're looking for photos of members building and servicing our region. Throwback photos are welcome. Please send your photos to Local537Photos@617MediaGroup.com with your name, the names of anyone in the photo, contractor, and job site.

1. (L-R) Eugene Hernandez, Dan Trow, and Wes Green. Boston College. Submitted by Dan Trow.

2. MIT Dormitories, Beacon Piping. Submitted by Dionisios Hologitas.

LOCAL 537 GIVES BACK

Support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association

Local 537 continues to support the important work of charities like the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), the top voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases.

Thanks to more than 30 years of support from our membership, Local 537 has raised over $787,000 for MDA's good work. This commitment gives real-life meaning to the principle that if everyone gives a little, we can accomplish a lot! Thanks to your support, MDA can continue its work to empower the people they serve to live longer, more independent lives.

For over 70 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of families dealing with this debilitating illness, and is currently the largest source of funding for neuromuscular disease research, second only to the National Institutes of Health.

Local Union 537 is proud to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association, bringing hope to patients with this life-altering muscle disease and supporting the goal of reaching a cure.

SAVE THE DATE

2023 Annual Golf Outing

Friday, September 8, 2023

Crosswinds Golf Club, Plymouth, MA

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!

2023

JUNE

Robert W. Allen

Edward G. Glavin

John J. Leary

MAY

Steven Ahlstrand

Michael J. Bouchard

IN MEMORIAM

APRIL

Timothy Ahern

William F. Mahoney

Jane McElearney

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 50-, 60-, 65AND 70-YEAR MEMBERS.