The Spring 2023 Newsletter is Out Now!

The latest edition of our newsletter is now available! Catch up on what’s happening at Local 534 by reading the newsletter online or wait for the print copy in your mailbox.

In this Spring edition, we put the spotlight on our backing of House Bill 397, showcasing our dedication to safeguarding your workers’ rights. We also celebrate our Women in Trades. Additionally, we shed light on Mental Health Awareness, providing you with available resources. Lastly, we bring you updates on upcoming meetings and events.

As always, thank you for your support!

Honoring Workers’ Memorial Day

April 28 is Workers’ Memorial Day, a time for us to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives or suffered injuries on the job. As we remember our fallen brothers and sisters, we also renew our commitment to fighting for workplace safety.

According to the International Labour Organization, approximately 2.3 million workers die yearly from work-related accidents and diseases. This translates to more than 6,000 workers losing their lives daily, or one worker dying every 15 seconds. 

Here at Local 534, we are committed to your health and safety — because we believe every worker deserves to go home safe and sound at the end of the day. This includes advocating for stronger workplace standards to ensure that trained professionals do projects safely and effectively.

One way we’re fighting to make our industry safer is by supporting a bill in the Massachusetts State Legislature that would require training and certification for fire-resistant material applicators. When done correctly, fireproofing can help protect lives and property during a fire. Click here to urge your state lawmakers to pass this vital legislation.

This Workers’ Memorial Day, let us honor our fallen brothers and sisters — and renew our fight for safe and healthy workplaces for all workers.

The Winter Newsletter is Out Now

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The latest edition of our newsletter is now available! Catch up on what’s been happening at Local 534 by reading the newsletter online or waiting for the print copy to hit your mailbox.

This edition includes a spotlight on our work with the Boston Housing Authority, an update on our international union’s leadership, and a celebration of our new apprentices and accomplished journeypeople.

As always, thank you for your support!

Apprenticeships Are Open!

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Are you ready to start a career in a skilled trade? Do you know somebody else who might? Apprenticeships are open with Boston Local 534!

A union apprenticeship puts you on the path to a good-paying job by providing you with hands-on experience, classroom training, and a paycheck all at the same time. Local 534 apprenticeships not only allow you to avoid student loan debt but it allows you to earn while you learn.

Here at Local 534, we’re proud to offer world-class training through our Joint Apprenticeship & Training Program, providing individuals with the skills and experience to succeed as Plasterers and Cement Masons.

Learn from seasoned craftsmen, develop your skills on job sites, and graduate to become a journeyman with industry-leading wages and benefits after completing your training! Click here to learn how to apply.

Remembering Jeremiah McGillicuddy

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We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jeremiah McGillicuddy, who served as president of Local 534 from 1961 to 1997. We extend our condolences to his family.

Read Jeremiah’s obituary here.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Morris-Johnston Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Southborough, MA. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at 11:00 AM at St. Anne Church, 20 Boston Road, Southborough, MA. Burial will follow at Southborough Rural Cemetery, 11 Cordaville Road, Southborough, MA.

2023 Meeting Schedule

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The best way to have a voice in your union is to attend local meetings, where you can engage with fellow members, ask questions of local leadership, and stay informed. So, as we enter 2023, we’re pleased to share this year’s schedule for regular union and executive board meetings.

All meetings will be held at the Local 534 Union Hall unless otherwise noted.

January

  • Executive Board Meeting
    • Tuesday, January 10 at 5 PM
  • Regular Union Meeting
    • Tuesday, January 24 at 6 PM

February

  • Executive Board Meeting
    • Tuesday, February 14 at 5 PM
  • Regular Union Meeting
    • Saturday, February 25 at 9 AM

March

  • Executive Board Meeting
    • Tuesday, March 14 at 5 PM
  • Regular Union Meeting
    • Tuesday, March 28 at 6 PM

April

  • Executive Board Meeting
    • Tuesday, April 11 at 5 PM
  • Regular Union Meeting
    • Tuesday, April 25 at 6 PM

May

  • Executive Board Meeting
    • Tuesday, May 9 at 5 PM
  • Regular Union Meeting
    • Tuesday, May 23 at 6 PM

June

  • Executive Board Meeting
    • Tuesday, June 13 at 5 PM
  • Regular Union Meeting
    • Tuesday, June 27 at 6 PM

July

  • Executive Board Meeting
    • Tuesday, July 11, at 5 PM
  • *No Regular Union Meeting*

August

  • Executive Board Meeting
    • Tuesday, August 8 at 5 PM
  • *No Regular Union Meeting*

September

  • Executive Board Meeting
    • Tuesday, September 12 at 5 PM
  • Regular Union Meeting
    • Tuesday, September 26 at 6 PM

October

  • Executive Board Meeting
    • Tuesday, October 10 at 5 PM
  • Regular Union Meeting
    • Saturday, October 28 at 9 AM

November

  • Executive Board Meeting
    • Tuesday, November 7 at 5 PM
  • Regular Union Meeting
    • Tuesday, November 21 at 6 PM

December

  • Executive Board Meeting
    • Tuesday, December 12 at 5 PM
  • *No Regular Union Meeting*

Get Out the Vote

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Today is Election Day! It’s time for us to get out the vote and make our voices heard. Polls will be open from 7 am to 8 pm.

Not sure where to vote? Not sure who to vote for? Find your polling place, a list of endorsed candidates, and other helpful information on our Voter Resources page.

Every vote matters. It’s up to us to elect candidates like Maura Healey for Governor and Diana DiZoglio for State Auditor, who will stand up for working people and fight for our rights. It’s up to us to pass Question 1, the Fair Share Amendment, which will make sure top earners in Massachusetts pay their fair share to invest in our infrastructure, our schools, and our future.

Together, we can make a difference.