NEWS

Please see the letter below from the Mason Tenders' District Council Pension Fund announcing the increase to the Pension for Local 78 members.

We had an amazing time at our Christmas party last week with a great turnout! Nothing better than celebrating with our brothers and sisters. Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season!

Local 78 Charitable Corp Gala on Friday, May 2, 2025.

Local 78 held their 19th annual Memorial Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral last night in Manhattan. For almost two decades, the union has paid tribute to their fallen brothers and sisters with this special memorial service that is open to the public. Business Manager Pawel Gruchacz and Secretary-Treasurer Joel Burgos read out the 279 names of members whose lives were tragically cut short. As long as they are remembered, they will never be forgotten and our thoughts are forever with their families.

Thousands of LIUNA laborers marched up 5th Avenue along with LiUNA General President Brent Booker and V.P. Mike Hellstrom. THIS is solidarity in action! See you next year! #LaborersRising

Local 78 proudly hosted over 800 members at Kruckers Picnic Grove in Pamona NY this past weekend. The yearly gathering celebrated the proud and diverse membership of Local 78 and extended families on Labor Day weekend. Thanks to all who made it possible and see you next year for the big 30th anniversary celebration!

Local 78 Legal Services Plan SUMMARY OF MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS General. This is a Summary of Material Modifications (“SMM”) to the Local 78 Legal Services Plan Summary Plan Description (the “SPD”). This Summary of Material Modifications supplements the SPD previously provided to you. You should retain this document with your copy of the SPD. Summary Description of Modification. The Board of Trustees of the Local 78 Legal Services Plan (the “Plan”) announces the following change to the Plan, effective September 1, 2025.  In addition to covering proceedings in landlord/tenant court in which the participant is the tenant, the Plan will cover proceedings in landlord/tenant court where the participant is the landlord provided the property which is the subject of the proceeding is the participant’s primary residence and it is either a 1 or 2 family home.  Pawel Gruchacz, Director/Trustee Joel Burgos, Trustee Jan Sanislo, Trustee   PLAN DE SERVICIOS LEGALES LOCAL 78 RESUMEN DE MODIFICACIONES IMPORTANTES General. Este es un Resumen de Modificaciones Importantes (SMM) al Resumen del Plan de Servicios Legales Local 78 (SPD). Este documento complementa el SPD que se te proporcionó previamente. Debes conservar este documento junto con tu copia del SPD. Descripción del Resumen de la Modificación. La Junta de Fideicomisarios del Plan de Servicios Legales Local 78 (el “Plan”) anuncia el siguiente cambio al Plan, que será efectivo a partir del 1 de septiembre de 2025. Cobertura Ampliada para Procedimientos en el Tribunal de Arrendadores/Inquilinos:  Además de cubrir los procedimientos en el tribunal de arrendadores/inquilinos en los que el participante es el inquilino, el Plan cubrirá ahora los procedimientos en el tribunal de arrendadores/inquilinos en los que el participante sea el arrendador, siempre que se cumplan las siguientes condiciones:  La propiedad en cuestión debe ser la residencia principal del participante. La propiedad debe ser una vivienda [...]

Visiting  job sites in Long Island today, we had the chance to talk with members about the recent wage and benefit increase, a well deserved increase for all their hard work. It was a great opportunity to connect with members on the worksite.

Over a thousand union building trade members showed up for the all trades rally in support of Andrew Cuomo today in Union Square. Locals 78, 79, and other NYC Building Trades members gathered in support of former NY State Governor Cuomo who is running for Mayor of NYC.

We're really proud of our team who showed up for the Initial Shop Steward Training. These members are stepping up, learning the contract, and getting ready to stand up for their brothers and sisters at work.This is what leadership looks like — strong, dedicated, and union proud.

Four years ago, the Executive Board of Local 78 took a powerful step forward—establishing the 78 Charitable Corp, a 501(c)(3) non-profit created to help our own. Since then, with your unwavering support, we’ve raised over $301,000, assisting 90 member families, including 46 just this year. This is what solidarity looks like in action. On May 2, we came together once again to celebrate the strength of our union family and honor two individuals whose dedication and leadership inspire us all: Donato (Dan) A. Bianco – LIUNA Vice President & New England Regional Manager A second-generation laborer with over 30 years of service to LIUNA, Dan has built a career on integrity, worker advocacy, and service—leading from the front in Providence and now across the Northeast. His work with the New England Laborers’ Tri-Funds, the RI Building Trades Council, and community groups like the Boys & Girls Clubs shows a deep commitment not only to labor but to people. Robert Pavlovich – President, New York Environmental Systems A business visionary and union ally, Robert has elevated environmental remediation standards across NYC. From his roots in Croatia to the classrooms of Brooklyn Tech and Princeton, and into the boardrooms of major firms, his leadership has helped shape safe, union-built worksites while investing in community and excellence. Their stories reflect what we stand for—hard work, integrity, resilience, and giving back. To everyone who attended, donated, and supported the mission of the 78 Charitable Corp. Thank you. You are the reason this mission thrives.

Members of the NYC Building Trades came together in solemn unity to honor the lives of those we have lost on the job. We especially remembered our dear brother Pedro Macias, who tragically passed away in a construction accident. His memory lives on in our hearts and in our fight for safer worksites. Rest in power, Pedro. We will never forget.

Local 78 members gathered in Albany today with many other trade unions to stop construction worker exploitation in Public Education! The workers rallied in support of bill A756/S1672, which will bring cost-saving Labor Agreements (PLAs) for public school construction in Long Island. Our thanks to Governor Hochul’s office, Senator Mattera, Senator Martinez, and Assembly Member Solages. PLAs help ensure fair wages, worksite safety, local job creation, and keep tax dollars in the community! Many thanks to all who showed their support for getting union contracts for all Long Island Schools!

A special salute goes to Brother Jonh Keenan, who officially announced his retirement. After decades of unwavering dedication and service, John has left a mark on this union that will never be forgotten. His leadership, loyalty, and work ethic represent the very best of what it means to be LIUNA STRONG. From the trenches to the top, John never backed down. We thank you, Brother, and we wish you nothing but the best in this next chapter of your life.