Local 534 Fall 2022 Newsletter

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPOTLIGHTS

EACH OTHER SAFE /

CHILD

OPTIONS

YOUR VOTE COUNTED

Boston

and Cement Masons

represents over

to

BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT

Brothers and Sisters,

As we close the books on 2022, I want to thank you for everything you’ve done to make this a successful year for Local 534. We can make 2023 even better by looking out for each other.

One way is by keeping a safe workplace. Always wearing your protective gear at the job site will keep you and your union brothers and sisters safe. For more ways we can promote safety on the job, check out page 6.

In September, we celebrated Labor Day — meaning, we celebrated you. Every day, I am so proud of everything we accomplish together as members of the labor movement to improve the lives of all American workers, their families, and their communities. President Biden has often said, “The middle class built America — and unions built the middle class.” He’s right: You have built this country.

We deserve elected leaders who will stand up and fight for our rights. In November, I encourage you to make your voices heard at the polls. There will be many champions of working people up and down the ballot this fall, but it’s up to us to elect them. On page 7, you will find more information about how to vote and what’s at stake in this election.

Thank you again for all that you do.

In Solidarity,

John Sweeney Business Manager

We deserve elected leaders who will stand up and fight for our rights.”

APPRENTICE SPOTLIGHTS

Changing careers can be a big leap. But joining a union apprenticeship is worth it, offering a great opportunity to increase your pay, gain benefits that support your family, and find more fulfillment at work. Read why two Local 534 apprentices decided to take the leap.

Local 534 second-year apprentice Damien Fuller previously worked in the restaurant industry for 20 years. “I enjoyed it. It was something I got into after college, and I just progressed. I made a good living,” he said.

But when the pandemic hit and the restaurant industry suffered major losses, Damien found himself looking for a new family-oriented career path.”When I got older and married, and had a young son, nightlife wasn’t conducive to family life. And then the pandemic hit and helped make my decision.”

Damien described his transition from a restaurant worker to an apprentice cement mason as a “natural progression.”

“I’ve always liked working with my hands,” he said, “but obviously, having the stability and the benefits with a family, your priorities change.” Having done decorative cement work in the past, as well as having ties to Local 534 through a longtime friend, the decision to make the switch was a simple one.

At 42 years old, Damien is older than the average apprentice, but he has found that his life experience has been an advantage.

When asked what advice he would give his fellow apprentices, he said, “You’re going to get out of it what you put into it. So if you work hard and put all your effort into it, you will get that in return.”

You’re going to get out of it what you put into it.”

- Damien Fuller, second-year apprentice

In September, Local 534 lost our beloved brother and apprentice, Nasahn Davis. We will always miss Nasahn’s bright spirit and passion for living life to the fullest.

Shortly before his passing, Nasahn sat down to talk about his experience as a third-year apprentice. We share his words in loving memory of him.

Nasahn was introduced to Local 534 through his uncle. After jumping from temp agencies to different construction jobs, he finally found a workplace that fit his needs. “It’s peaceful,” he said. He described work as “a way to get away from all the other things and all the other problems in life.

Go to work and forget about it for a little bit until you have to go back to it.”

Nasahn enjoyed the consistency of construction work, the great people he got to work with, and the work-life balance that allowed him to spend the cold Massachusetts winters in Arizona and California. We offer our deepest condolences to Nasahn’s family. If you or someone you know would like help dealing with this loss, we encourage you to contact Modern Assistance at (617) 774-0331 and speak with a counselor.

It’s peaceful [...] a way to get away from all the other things and all the other problems in life. Go to work and forget about it for a little bit until you have to go back to it.”- Nasahn Davis

“

KEEPING EACH OTHER SAFE

Unions have always been on the frontlines of ensuring and promoting safe working conditions. Our union brothers and sisters led the charge to pass the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970. Today, unions play a critical role in improving worker health and safety on the job.

Every day we’re on the job, we have a responsibility to look out for the health and safety of ourselves and each other. Proper safety procedures, including wearing personal protective gear, must be followed EVERY time. Doing this not only keeps us safe but also upholds the highest level of professionalism at our job site.

Please contact the Union Hall or your shop steward if you have any concerns about safety or equipment at your job site.

FLEXIBLE CHILD CARE OPTIONS

Many families in the construction industry face a common issue — access to affordable child care that works around our hours.

Care That Works (CTW) provides child care services outside the typical 9-to-5 hours of most traditional daycare centers. Their program is tailored specifically to those who work in the construction industry. CTW has a network of certified child care professionals, all members of SEIU Local 509.

Here are a few tips on staying safe at work:

࢚ DO wear personal protective gear, like hard hats and protective goggles, to protect your body.

࢚ DO wear high-visibility gear or vests at all times.

࢚ DO make sure your arms are covered by your sleeves.

࢚ DO stay aware of your surroundings and follow all safety codes.

DON’T wear clothing that is loose, baggy, or ill-fitting.

DON’T let the site get too messy and cluttered with dust, debris, and loose nails.

CTW’s mission is to provide a publicly-funded child care system to those most affected by unaffordable care options while paying care workers a living wage.

For more information on Care That Works and to fill out their interest form, visit CareThatWorks.org

If you need financial assistance for child care, visit the Child Care Resources and Referral Agency's website at: EECLead.Force.com/EEC_CCRRSearch or scan this QR Code.

HAVE YOUR VOTE COUNTED

Elections matter. In 2020, we elected the most pro-union presiden years in office, President Biden has:

♦

Made hiring union labor the standard practice for federal construction projects.

♦

Strengthened prevailing wage rules to protect workers against wage theft.

♦ Signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will put millions of union members to work rebuilding communities.

♦ Appointed former Boston mayor and lifelong union member Marty Walsh as U.S. Secretary of Labor.

Your vote made these historic accomplishments possible. But our work isn’t done yet. This November, we can electing leaders who will stand up and fight for working people and our families.

It’s up to us to elect members of Congress who will make or break President Biden’s pro-union agenda. It’s up to us to select a Governor and state legislators who will protect our hardearned pensions and benefits, defend the right to form and keep a union, and enact policies to help Massachusetts workers.

Regardless of how you vote, make your plan to get out to the polls in November and have your vote counted. If you’re voting in person, find your polling place and what hours they will be open. If you’re voting by mail, apply for your ballot and return it as soon as possible.

See you at the polls!

Scan THIS QR code to find your polling location and other essential voting information.

MASSACHUSET