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