A reminder that the May membership meeting is coming up soon. This is an especially important meeting to attend, as we will be accepting nominations for the next fund trustees on this date. Please see the meeting details below:
Tuesday, May 24 at 6 pm Local 534 Union Hall 7 Frederika Street, Boston, MA 02124
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
Meeting together as a Union helps us build solidarity and plan for the long term. As we enter 2022, we’re pleased to announce this year’s Regular Union and Executive Board meeting schedule.
All members should download the Zoom app to be prepared for future meetings. Please note that all meetings will be held at the Local 534 Union Hall unless otherwise noted.
January
Executive Board Meeting Tuesday, January 11 at 5 PM
Regular Union Meeting Tuesday, January 25 at 6 PM
February
Executive Board Meeting Tuesday, February 8 at 5 PM
*No Regular Union Meeting*
March
Executive Board Meeting Tuesday, March 8 at 5 PM
Regular Union Meeting Tuesday, March 22 at 6 PM
April
Executive Board Meeting Tuesday, April 12 at 5 PM
Regular Union Meeting Tuesday, April 26 at 6 PM
May
Executive Board Meeting Tuesday, May 10 at 5 PM
Regular Union Meeting Tuesday, May 24 at 6 PM Special Order of Business: Nominations for Fund Trustees
June
Executive Board Meeting Tuesday, June 14 at 5 PM
Regular Union Meeting Tuesday, June 28 at 6 PM Special Order of Business: Election Night (If Necessary)
July
Executive Board Meeting Tuesday, July 12, at 5 PM
*No Regular Union Meeting*
August
Executive Board Meeting Tuesday, August 9 at 5 PM
*No Regular Union Meeting*
September
Executive Board Meeting Tuesday, September 13 at 5 PM
Regular Union Meeting Tuesday, September 27 at 6 PM
October
Executive Board Meeting Tuesday, October 11 at 5 PM
Regular Union Meeting Tuesday, October 25 at 6 PM
November
Executive Board Meeting Tuesday, November 8 at 5 PM
Regular Union Meeting Tuesday, November 22 at 6 PM
December
Executive Board Meeting Tuesday, December 13 at 5 PM