NEWS

Summary Description of Modification. The Board of Trustees of the Local 78 Legal Services Plan announces the following changes to the Plan, effective January 1, 2024. Eligibility for legal services has been modified. Currently, if you are a member in good standing of Local 78 and your dues are paid up-to-date, you are eligible to participate in the Plan for the period January 1 through December 31 if you worked at least five hundred (500) hours during the immediately preceding November 1 through October 31. Under the new rules, a dues paying member in good standing who works at least two hundred fifty (250) hours in a six-month eligibility period is entitled to six (6) months of coverage during the next coverage period. With this change, if you work the necessary hours in the earlier part of the year, you will not have to wait until January to become eligible for legal services. The new rules are explained in the following table: If you work 250 hours during the following 6-month Work Period: You will be eligible for legal services for the immediately following 6- month Coverage Period: November 1st through April 30th June 1st through November 30th May 1st through October 31st December 1st through May 31st   As an Eligible Member, unless otherwise prohibited by SPD, you are entitled to a limited consultation with a lawyer for any legal matter - even if your legal matter is not covered under the Plan. The limit per consultation will increase from two (2) to four (4) total hours. LEGAL SERVICES - MODIFICATION PLAN 2024_English LEGAL SERVICES - MODIFICATION PLAN 2024_Spanish LEGAL SERVICES - MODIFICATION PLAN 2024_Polish LEGAL SERVICES - MODIFICATION PLAN 2024_Russian

Local 78 St. Patrick's Cathedral Mass on November 7, 2023

Dear Local 78 members, We hope this message finds you well. We wanted to inform you about the upcoming membership meetings for the year 2024. All meetings will be held at the Renaissance Event Hall, located at 27-34 21st St, Long Island City, NY 11102, starting at 5pm. Please take note of the following meeting dates: January 17, 2024 February 2024 (CANCELLED) March 20, 2024 April 17, 2024 May 15, 2024 June 26, 2024 July 17, 2024 August 2024 (CANCELLED) September 18, 2024 October 16, 2024 November 20, 2024 (Thanksgiving meeting to be held at Astoria World Manor) December 9, 2024 (Union Christmas Party at Terrace on the Park) All meetings will take place on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, except for the November meeting, which will be held on Thanksgiving at the Astoria World Manor. Additionally, please mark your calendars for the Union Christmas Party on December 9, which will be held at Terrace on the Park. We encourage all members to attend these meetings as they provide a valuable opportunity to stay updated on important matters and actively participate in decision-making processes. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Best regards Local 78 Executive Board

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for Asbestos, Lead, and Hazardous Waste Laborers, Local Union #78, will conduct a recruitment from January 16, 2024 through January 29, 2024 for 20 skilled construction craft laborer apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today. Applications can be obtained from the Local 78 JATC, 11-17 43rd Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, during the recruitment period, excluding legal holidays. All applications must be picked up in person. This is a limited-application recruitment. Only 200 applications will be distributed, on a first-come, first-serve basis. The recruitment will be offered for 10 business days or until 200 applications have been issued, whichever comes first. All applications will need to be returned, in person, to Local Union #78 JATC, 11-17 43rd Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101 by no later than 4:00 p.m. on February 12, 2024. The Committee requires that applicants: Must be at least 18 years old. Must have 8th grade education or higher Must be physically able to do the work of a Skilled Construction Craft Laborer, which includes: Lifting and carrying an aggregated weight of 94 lbs. of material for a distance of 30 feet and restacking it to a height of approximately 54 inches off the ground. Using a shovel to load approximately half of a cubic yard of material into a wheelbarrow, wheeling it 30 feet, and depositing it into a container. Working at heights of 50 feet or more. Working in confined spaces. Working in extreme temperatures. Must be able to wear personal protective equipment at all times. Must be a resident of the five boroughs of NYC or of Long Island. Must provide military transfer card or discharge form DD-214, if applicable. For further information, applicants should contact Local [...]

Business Manager Pawel Gruchacz attending meeting with President of Poland Andrzej Duda.

On May 12, at Russo's On The Bay in Queens, the 56th annual gala of the Pulaski Association of Business and Professional Men was held. During the gala, as always, one of the distinguished members of the association was honored with the title of "Man of the Year". This year, this honorable title was awarded to a New York trade union activist, Local 78 Business Manager Paweł Gruchacz. Paweł Gruchacz came to America 30 years ago. Almost from the very beginning, he has been active as a trade unionist. Currently, he holds the position of Business Manager at Local 78 of the Laborers' International Union of North America while in the years 2006-2018 he held the office of Secretary of Treasure.  "We have successfully negotiated rate increases. I also reformed the pension fund, thanks to which people's pensions were increased by 30%, and I created a legal fund. We recently bought a building in Woodside” Paweł Gruchacz said in an interview with "Biały Orzeł" in April. He spoke on his recent successes in trade union activities saying, “I want to leave this place better than I found it”, talking about what motivates him to act. As a believer, Paweł Gruchacz actively participates in the life of the parish of St. Stanisław Kostka on Staten Island. He is also a committed and appreciated member of the local Polish community. In 2011, Paweł, as a marshal, led a contingent from Staten Island during the Pulaski Parade. The honorable title of "Man of the Year" is awarded every year to a person distinguished by  the Polish community. The character, contribution to the development of the Polish American community, and the promotion of Polishness are evaluated. The Man of the Year is chosen not only from [...]

Local 78 is thrilled to have celebrated International Women's Month by hosting a reception to honor our incredible sisters. As an organization that values diversity and inclusivity, we recognize that women have historically been underrepresented in the hazardous environmental abatement trade. However, we are proud to say that our sisters have not only broken through these barriers but have also excelled in their respective roles. We wanted to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable contributions to Local 78. Your dedication, hard work, and perseverance have been instrumental in the growth and success of our organization. We recognize that your contributions have not always been easy, and we commend you for your unwavering commitment to the hazardous environmental abatement trade. As an organization, we are committed to advocating for your rights and creating more job opportunities for you. Local 78 understands the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where all members can thrive and succeed. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that your voices are heard, and your needs are met. In conclusion, we are proud of our female members and grateful for their contributions to our organization. We will continue to celebrate Women's International Month by honoring the incredible women who make Local 78 the outstanding organization it is today. Thank you for being an integral part of our community, and we look forward to seeing your continued success in the future.

Local 78 has retained the services of the Law firm of Karasyk and Moschella since 2021 to perform Legal Services for the membership. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact the office at 212-227-4803 This is the law Firm information: Karasyk & Moschella, LLP Phone: 212-233-3800 Email: info@kmattorneys.com 233 Broadway, Suite 2340 The Woolworth Building New York, NY 10279 http://kmattorneys.com These are the following Legal Services for Local 78 members: Immigration and Naturalization Matters. The Plan provides up to 25 hours per calendar year for immigration and naturalization services for the member, spouse, and children Real Estate Transactions. The Plan covers the purchase and sale of a primary residence. The residence must be a one (1) or two (2) family residence. The Plan also covers mortgage refinancing and deed transfers. Wills. The Plan covers the preparation of simple wills (single and reciprocal), living wills, and powers of attorney. Landlord and Tenant Proceedings. The Plan covers proceedings in landlord/tenant court in which the participant is the tenant. Criminal Arraignments. The Plan covers your arraignment in criminal proceedings. Prenuptial Agreements. The Plan covers the preparation of prenuptial agreements. Adoptions. The Plan covers your adoption of a child. Change of Name. The Plan covers your legal name change. Consultations. The Plan provides benefits for consultations on all legal issues, with a two (2) hour maximum. This includes those matters excluded below, unless consultation benefits are specifically excluded. *For more information and to obtain the entire Summary Plan Description, please call the Union Hall and request this document Thank you

Effective January 2, 2023 - December 31, 2023 the wage and fringe benefit rates for Local 78 Laborers for the Environmental Contractors Association & Independent Asbestos. You will also find a complete contractors list below. Local 78 Wage & Benefit Rates ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION January 2, 2023 - December 31, 2023 JOURNEYMAN APPRENTICES APPRENTICES APPRENTICES APPRENTICES Straight Time 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year 4th Year Wage Rate 38.55 20.00 21.00 24.00 26.00 Vacation Account** 0.95 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Total Taxable Income $39.50 $20.50 $21.50 $24.50 $26.50 Vacation Account** 0.95 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Dues Check Off 2.99 2.05 2.05 2.05 2.05 Political Action Committee .20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 Total Deductions $4.14 $2.75 $2.75 $2.75 $2.75 ECAIAP 0.25 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 Welfare Fund 12.24 11.44 11.44 11.44 11.44 Pension Fund 2.71 1.26 1.26 1.26 1.26 Annuity Fund 4.00 1.00  1.00  1.00  1.00 Training Fund 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Greater New York LECET 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 New York State LECET 0.15 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 New York State Health & Safety 0.10 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Total Hourly Fringes & Non-Taxable Contributions $19.90 $14.45 $14.45 $14.45 $14.45 Total Hourly Package $59.40 $34.95 $35.95 $38.95 $40.95 INDEPENDENT ASBESTOS January 2, 2023 - December 31, 2023 JOURNEYMAN APPRENTICES APPRENTICES APPRENTICES APPRENTICES Straight Time 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year 4th Year Wage Rate 38.55 20.00 21.00 24.00 26.00 Vacation Account** 0.95 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Total Taxable Income $39.50 $20.50 $21.50 $24.50 $26.50 Vacation Account** 0.95 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Dues Check Off 2.99 2.05 2.05 2.05 2.05 Political Action Committee .20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 Total Deductions $4.14 $2.75 $2.75 $2.75 $2.75 ECAIAP 0.50 0.20 [...]

Dear Pensioner/Beneficiary: On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Mason Tenders' District Council Pension Fund, we are pleased to inform you that an additional benefit check in the amount of $1,000 has been granted to all pensioners and beneficiaries (including surviving spouses) that are in pay status in the month of December 2022. If you receive your monthly pension payment through direct deposit, the payment will be forward to the same account as your monthly pension benefit. Please be advised that this is a one-time only additional payment. Sincerely yours, Board of Trustees Mason Tenders' District Council Pension Fund