BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT

Brothers and Sisters, As we enter a new year during a global pandemic, the health and safety of you and your families remains our top priority. We’re very grateful for and proud of how hard our members have worked to keep each other safe and protect our communities.

We enter 2021 with our eyes on a new administration rooted in the labor movement. President Biden has pledged to be the “most pro-union president,” one who knows that labor unions are good for both businesses and workers. In his first weeks in office, the President has already taken action toward the goal of reversing the previous administration’s policies. We’re also pleased that a longtime friend and ally of Local 537, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, has been nominated to be the next U.S. Secretary of Labor. Mayor Walsh has supported our great Local through and through, including attending our Training Center and Union Hall Grand Opening as a guest of honor in March 2019. When confirmed, Mayor Walsh will be the first union member to fill that position in almost 50 years. We know he will be an outstanding labor secretary. Biden and Walsh arrive in Washington at an important moment in the labor movement: in 2020, the rate of unionization in this country increased for the first time in over a decade. We saw this interest firsthand this year during our apprenticeship application period when we received over 370 applications through our new online portal. This excellent turnout makes the decision process competitive and our union as a whole even stronger. Please note that we will be holding a special election on Saturday, March 27 from 8 AM to 3 PM to elect delegates to the United Association’s 40th General Convention. While it is not clear yet if the convention will be able to take place in person, we are moving forward with plans. Stay tuned for more details and please come out to vote. I look forward to another year to serve you as your Business Manager. I have the opportunity to hear stories of members bringing their best to the job and to their communities. Thank you for all you do, and stay safe. In Solidarity,

Thomas P. Kerr, Jr.

Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer Pipefitters Local 537