2 minute read
NEWS
CELEBRATING OUR TRAINING CENTER’S ANNIVERSARY
It’s hard to believe, but this March marks the two-year anniversary of Local 537’s state-of-theart Training Center in Dorchester. Our grand opening celebration was an exciting and memorable day for all. Hundreds of Local 537 families, community members, and industry partners toured the facility, met with instructors, and learned about life-changing job opportunities in our region. SGA, our partner architect for the project, received a major architectural award in December for the Training Center’s cutting-edge design. The award is from The Architect’s Newspaper for “Editor’s Pick in the Commercial Workplace group.” Judges praised our Training Center for how it “honors [Local 537’s] past while setting the stage for its future advancement.” We couldn’t agree more and extend our congratulations to the excellent SGA team for their collaboration. We look forward to gathering in-person at our beautiful facility once again, as soon as it is safe to do so. Read more about the award by scanning this QR code with your smartphone:
Advertisement
NEWS
INTRODUCING LOCAL 537’S WOMEN’S COMMITTEE
Solidarity is a promise that begins on the job and continues into our daily lives. It’s a commitment that we keep to look out for each other, as union members, no matter what. With more women joining Pipefitters Local 537 in recent years, we’re happy to announce that there’s a new way for our Sisters to come together: the Local 537 Women’s Committee. The idea came to pipefitters Julie Hemingway, Savy Francis, and Jane Walsh as a way to represent and support women members. After some planning meetings, the Committee is now approved and operating. Everyone is welcome to attend the meetings. With the Women’s Committee, Julie, Savy, and Jane hope to create opportunities for women within the Local to network with one another, build relationships, and call on one another when needed. Jane, a pipefitter for 28 years, noted how the Committee will serve as a resource for young women starting in the industry. “It helps to be around people who are willing to share their knowledge,” Walsh said. Savy Francis, an eight-year member, was chosen by Local 537 members to attend the Women Build
Nations Conference in Seattle, Washington. There, she participated in a workshop on the benefits of organizing a women’s committee. “Sometimes, you’re the only woman in your crew,”
Savy explains. “So it’s always nice to be able to put a face to a name. That’s how we can really support each other.”
Above all, Julie, Savy, and Jane are driven to lead by example and pay it forward as more women join the piping trades. “I want to give back to what has given me so much and provided me a beautiful life,” said Julie
Hemingway, a third-generation pipefitter for 15 years. “We work hard for it, but it’s a wonderful opportunity, second to none.”
The Women’s Committee is hoping to host their first in-person meeting later this year when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. To join the Committee’s
Zoom meeting, reach out to Julie Hemingway at
