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.

• 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.