Apply to the John F. “Jackie” O’Neil Annual Scholarship

Applications for Local 534’s John F. “Jackie” O’Neil Annual Scholarship, established in honor of our former training director, Jackie O’Neil, are now being accepted. This scholarship gives those close to a Local 534 member the ability to pursue higher education at a lower cost.

Applicants must fill out the application form and submit an essay on how Local 534, unions, and the labor movement have impacted their life.

The application deadline is September 1, 2022. If you have any questions, please contact Business Manager John Sweeney at 617-825-5200 or jsweeneylocal534@gmail.com.

We look forward to reviewing your applications!

Join the Fight: Massachusetts Is Not For Sale!

Local 534 - Stand Up to Big Tech!
Local 534 - Stand Up to Big Tech!

Local 534 is proud to support Massachusetts Is Not For Sale in its fight against the exploitation of drivers in apps like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash. Big Tech is pouring millions of dollars into their campaign to deny their drivers’ rights and destroy their right to unionize. We’re standing with these drivers as every worker deserves a seat at the table.

These companies are currently fighting for a loophole in Massachusetts labor laws (through the bill labeled H.1234) that would let them continue to classify their drivers as independent contractors instead of employees. This maneuver would allow them to bypass protections for Massachusetts workers, including the minimum wage, paid sick time, and family leave. In addition, the bill would undercut unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation and undermine protections against sexual harassment and racial discrimination at work.

Local 534 and the coalition have this to say: Not in our state! We can’t allow Big Tech to buy laws that expand their profits while hurting workers and families. Massachusetts has a long history of supporting workers’ rights and protecting them from greedy employers.

Click here to learn more about Massachusetts is Not For Sale and its fight against Big Tech; sign up to volunteer or donate.

Boston Local 534 Endorses Healey For Governor

Maura Healey has an excellent pro-labor record that includes fighting for paid medical leave, diversity in the workplace, and working families. That’s why the Boston Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 534 is so pleased to endorse the Commonwealth’s attorney general in the race for Massachusetts governor.

Healey heartedly supports the trade union movement and its role in providing economic mobility and strengthening the middle class. The attorney general knows that this is a moment of great opportunity for Massachusetts residents. And she’s committed to working in partnership with labor to expand job training programs and ensure that working people benefit. She’s been a champion for healthcare, affordable housing costs, and workers’ rights, and we’re proud to support her.

For more on Maura Healey, visit her website.

We look forward to seeing you at the ballot box on September 6.

The Local 534 Spring 2022 Newsletter is Out Now!

The Local 534 Spring Newsletter is now available online! Click here to read up on the latest work members have been doing or wait for the physical copy to hit your mailbox. 

This edition highlights the fantastic work of Local 534, from the historic Boston Opera House to a spotlight on fireproof sprayers. You can also get more information about how we celebrated women in the trades during Women’s History Month and how to take advantage of Massachusetts Building Trades Unions Recovery Council.

As always, thank you for your support.

Biden Mandates Project Labor Agreements for Large Federal Projects

When President Joe Biden entered office last year, he promised to usher in the most labor-friendly administration in history. President Biden understands that unions built our country and they built our middle class, and his latest executive order is a stunning show of support for the work we do every day.

Last Friday, President Biden announced that all federal projects over $35 million must use project labor agreements to ensure that our tax dollars go to safe, efficient projects and family-sustaining wages for the workers that build them. In doing so, he ushered in an exciting new era for labor. 

Project labor agreements don’t only benefit the workers who work under them. They benefit our communities and taxpayers, too. Project labor agreements:

  • Include contractually required diversity and equity provisions in hiring. 
  • Ensure that workers receive fair wages, benefits, and protections on the job. Any contractor who meets the requirements of the collective bargaining agreement can bid — union or non-union.
  • Ensure that our workforce receives industry-leading training, leading to safer, more efficient job sites

We’re proud to have witnessed such an important act of solidarity from our nation’s highest office. Thanks to this historic announcement, we can look forward to building back better together.

OPCMIA Scholarship Application Open Now!

Applications for the OPCMIA Scholarship are now being accepted until April 1, 2022. To be eligible, applicants must be a dependent of a Local 534 member (or another OPCMIA local) in good standing and enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program at an accredited university.

Winners are selected based on the GPA of each applicant, as well as a written essay on the importance of OPCMIA for the family of the applicant. 

Applicants are required to fill out an application and provide the following:

  • An official copy of a high school or college transcript
  • A written essay 
  • A letter of recommendation

To apply or learn more about this opportunity, please visit https://www.opcmia.org/. 

Read Our Latest Newsletter Now Online

Local 534 is excited to announce the newest edition of our quarterly newsletter! You can read the newsletter now online or wait to read the print edition when it hits your mailbox.

Get updates on our political activity and endorsements, our Community Works Pre-Apprentice Program, and the OPCMIA Free College Benefit. There is also important information on the new Massachusetts Building Trades’ Recovery Council. Read up on all the amazing work our members have been doing recently!

As always, thank you so much for your support.