oston Local 534 Newsletter: Spring 2024

BUILDING NEW ENGLAND FOR OVER 100 YEARS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT

4 WORKSITE SPOTLIGHT

6 YOUR BENEFITS TEAM

Boston Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 534 represents over 400 skilled and licensed plasterers and cement masons across New England. We’re proud to set the standard for cuttingedge architectural design and durable construction. Thanks to our world-class training, benefits, and commitment to quality construction, we’ve been the trusted choice for plaster, cement masonry, and fireproofing for over 100 years.

BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT

Brothers and Sisters,

Spring is in the air, and we look forward to more sunshine and construction work!

While warmer weather can boost moods, it is still important to check in with yourself and take care of your mental health. If you’re struggling, please reach out for help. Resources are available for members of Boston Local 534 – check out the back cover or our website for more details.

Reflecting on the progress of the Massachusetts General Hospital project, it’s truly remarkable to witness the dedication and hard work of our members. Each day, they pour their efforts into this project. As we inch closer to completion, we can’t help but feel a sense of pride and anticipation for the positive impact this new facility will have on MGH and the wider community. Read about the project and find photos of our members making it happen on pages 4-5.

While our newsletters always feature our fantastic members, we are proud to highlight your benefits team in this issue. Behind the scenes, these individuals work tirelessly to ensure that your benefits are managed efficiently and that your inquiries are promptly addressed. The staff that works to manage your benefits and answer critical questions are a dedicated team of rockstars. Get to know them on page 6-7.

Thank you, members of Local 534, for your hard work and dedication to your union. I am honored to serve you.

In Solidarity,

John Sweeney Business Manager

WORKSITE SPOTLIGHT

Members of Local 534 are diligently working on Massachusetts General Hospital’s new state-of-the-art clinical care building along Cambridge Street. In a city renowned for its exceptional healthcare services, our members are establishing infrastructure that not only supports our healthcare workers and their patients but will continue to do so for years to come through their commitment to safe and reliable work.

The new facility will significantly enhance the hospital’s capacity to deliver exceptional care, boasting 482 single-bed inpatient rooms. These new rooms will enable MGH to retire spaces

within older hospital facilities and convert existing double inpatient rooms into single-patient accommodations. Thanks to the dedication of our members, the new building will feature spacious rooms, multiple imaging facilities, infusion rooms, exam rooms, clinical support spaces for pharmacy and dietary services, an education center, an auditorium, six levels of underground parking exclusively for patients and families, and accommodations for hundreds of bicycles. We invite you to explore the current stage of development of this transformative project!

YOUR BENEFITS TEAM

Handling everything from your health benefits to retirement, this team works tirelessly to ensure that members of Boston Local 534 get everything they deserve (and more!) Take the time to get to know this incredible team who is here to support you throughout your union career by answering your questions and processing your benefits.

GAIL MILLS Fund Administrator, Notary

Celebrating nine years with the benefits office, Gail is the definition of 24/7. She is always available for the members of Local 534, and we couldn’t be more grateful for her service. She oversees all of the funds and day-to-day operations, educates members about their benefits, and ensures that she and her team adhere to guidelines.

In addition to her other responsibilities, Gail handles all pension and retirement matters. According to Gail, “The answers to your benefits questions are only a phone call away.” If you have a question, she urges you to call the benefits office or stop by to get help from the team.

When she is not on the job, she enjoys spending time with her family, which includes riding quads and dirt bikes together!

AIMEE LINCOLN Assistant Administrator, Notary

If you need assistance with medical claims or unemployment claims, Aimee is available to help. She can assist you whether you choose to call the benefits office or visit in person. One common question people have about claims is what is required to submit one. To file a medical claim, you will need to provide the bill that

includes the date of service, the services provided, and proof of payment. To file an unemployment claim, you will need to provide the welcome page that includes your name and the dates of the weeks being claimed. If you are unsure about any of these requirements, don’t worry –Aimee is here to help you sort things out.

In her spare time, Aimee is a television and film buff who most recently watched and loved the show Suits. If you have any good recommendations, be sure to send them her way!

TORI GRIGNON Administrative Assistant

Have you ever had questions about your annuity fund? Tori has the answers. She handles distributions, loans, reciprocals, remittances, and general questions. One of the most common questions she gets is, “When can members receive their annuity?” Local 534 members must be out of service for one year before receiving an annuity. In very special and specific circumstances, annuity loans may be possible. Talk to Tori if you need help planning for your retirement.

One of Tori’s most enjoyable pastimes is getting outside with her dog, Tucker. They both enjoy walking in the sunshine, so bring on summer!

LAUREN BLUNDELL

Administrative Assistant

A woman of many hats, Lauren is also the Office Manager for the Union Hall, assisting with dues and mortuary information. Her work with the benefits office includes remittances for employers, project management, and file organization. She may be behind the scenes, but the importance of her work is front and center. Lauren is here to support the members of Local 534 in any way she can!

One of Lauren’s most beloved hobbies is adventuring to see new places. She loves interesting scenery and opportunities to capture good photography. Her favorite recent travel destination was the Dominican Republic.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

The best way to stay informed and have a voice in your union is to attend our monthly membership meetings. We host most meetings on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Local 534 Union Hall unless otherwise specified. Join us on the following dates to engage with your brothers and sisters, talk to union leadership, and stay informed!

Mark your calendar now: Tuesday, April 23 at 6 PM

Tuesday, May 28 at 6 PM

Tuesday, June 25 at 6 PM

Boston Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 534 7 Frederika Street Boston, MA 02124

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988. In non-emergency situations, mental health resources are also available for members of Boston Local 534.

For over 30 years, Modern Assistance has offered mental health support to trade union members. Modern Assistance’s confidential treatment includes in-clinic services, outpatient treatment programs, and telehealth services.