News:
Construction Design & Engineering
Posted: July 18, 2025
Boston Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 534 celebrates 110 years of serving New England
Westford, MA Boston Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 534 - one of the oldest labor unions in the country - celebrated its 110th anniversary at Kimball Farm. The event honored over a century of the local union’s dedication to promoting high-quality work in the plaster and cement industry and advocating for fair labor standards, including safe working conditions, fair wages, and benefits for its members.
The celebration brought together active and retired members of Local 534 and their families, underscoring the union’s commitment to unity and support for workers. The event also featured leadership from the Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA), including vice president Michael Hubler. OPCMIA’s history dates back to 1864, making it the oldest building trade union in the United States.
“We are so proud to be part of the oldest labor union in the nation,” said Local 534 business manager John Sweeney. “Seeing all these members and families at this event, having fun, is a reminder of what Local 534 represents: family, hard work and the camaraderie of our union. Here’s to another 110 years!”
The 110-year milestone highlights Local 534’s enduring legacy in New England, representing skilled and licensed craftspeople who contribute to a wide range of projects, from everyday homes and offices to the region’s historic landmarks.
MORE FROM Construction Design & Engineering
Timberline Construction Corp. completes renovations for Neurology and Infusion Center of New England
Foxborough, MA Timberline Construction Corp. (Timberline) has completed a 20,000 s/f healthcare construction project for the Neurology and Infusion Center of New England at 18 Washington St. The full interior renovation transforms an existing two-story medical office building into a purpose-built outpatient care environment that doubles the center’s clinical footprint, expands services and positions the growing practice for its next chapter.
.jpg)
Columns and Thought Leadership
Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza nears completion - by Frank Picozzi
After several years of planning, construction, and anticipation, the community is eagerly awaiting the opening of the Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza and outdoor skating rink later this month.
It’s time to lead: Confronting mental health in construction - by David Watts
As we close Mental Health Awareness Month, we must be clear: May isn’t just about ribbons, hashtags, or lunchtime mindfulness apps. It’s about responsibility to confront hard truths that linger in silence, and to challenge ourselves, as leaders in our industry, to do more.
Navigating tariffs and material uncertainty in today’s construction market - by Karl Ginand and Tiffany Gallo
As headlines around tariffs seem to dominate the news daily, many considering construction projects have anticipated major cost escalations and widespread supply issues. While tariffs haven’t driven pricing spikes to the extent once feared, the lasting impact has been a new layer of uncertainty, affecting more than just budgets.
ABC-Mass. chairman’s message: Rent control isn’t the answer to our housing crisis - by Luiza Mills
As you may know, Massachusetts voters will be weighing in on a number of ballot initiatives in November. Among them is a proposal to impose the nation’s strictest statewide rent control policy. I’d like to tell you why the ABC MA Board