NEWS
Paweł Gruchacz awarded the title of “Man of the Year” by the Pulaski Association of Business and Professional Men
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 Celebrates International Women’s Month
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.
Legal Services
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
Wage Rates & Contractors List
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 [...]
Pensioners & Beneficiaries Additional Check
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
Local 78 Memorial Mass
Local 78 members gathered at St Patrick's Cathedral for our 14th annual Memorial Mass remembering those Local 78 members we have lost.
Local 78 Memorial Mass
Local 78 members will gather at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Thursday, November 3, 2022 for its 14th annual Memorial Mass remembering those Local 78 members we have lost. Local 78 Memorial Mass Thursday, November 3, 2022 6:30PM St. Patricks Cathedral
Razom Thank You Letter
Letter from Razom thanking Business Manager Pawel Gruchacz and the members of Local 78 for their support. Download a PDF of the full letter here.
Labor Day Parade
Saturday, September 10, the NYC Labor Day Parade & March will return to Fifth Avenue for the first time since 2019. We are honored to be led by Parade Grand Marshal Secretary Marty Walsh & Parade Chairs AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond & New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. The Parade will kick off at 10am at Fifth Avenue and 44th Street, marching uptown to the NYC CLC Reviewing Stand at 64th Street. Read more: https://bit.ly/LDP-Leaders #LDP22 #UnionMade LOCAL 78 ASSEMBLE AT 7AM at 44th STREET BETWEEN 5TH & 6TH AVE.
Local 78 Family Picnic
Local 78 would like to invite members and their families to our First Family Picnic 2022 September 3rd, 2022 | 10:30 am – 6:00 pm 81 Call Hollow Rd, Pomona, NY 10970 Tickets Adult $25 | Child $5 Tickets sale ends on July 29th, 2022 FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! Whole Day BBQ Unlimited Beer Pool Volleyball Playground Bouncy Castle GREAT FOOD Steaks roasted chicken, spareribs, shrimp, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, turkey & veggie burgers, grilled franks, chili dogs, corn on the cob, cole slaw, garden salad & French fries Unlimited soft drinks and beer And more Tons of Fun Activities! Explore beautiful grounds and enjoy the nature and peaceful surroundings. Feeling like playing a friendly game? We got you! Volleyball, softball, basketball, Ping Pong, Horseshoes – all are available for your pleasure! Kids will have fun at the outdoor pools and at the specially ordered BOUNCY CASTLE! Come yourself and bring your family to celebrate Labor Day 2022! Sorry, no pets allowed at the premises.
VIDEO: Local 78 Charitable Corp First Annual Gala
https://vimeo.com/728916419 In 2021, Local 78 created the non-profit "Local 78 Charitable Corp." The charity's purpose and mission is to provide support to Local 78 members and families when they need it the most. On May 6, 2022, the Charitable Corp held its First Annual Gala, honoring Paul O'Brien, a founder of Pinnacle Environmental Corporation, and Robert Bonanza, the former Business Manager of the Mason Tenders District Council of Greater New York.
Solidarity with Ukraine
As you know, the situation in Ukraine is most precarious as the lives of innocent Ukrainians and the endurance of a democratic Ukraine are in great jeopardy. Thankfully, the entire world is unified in opposing Russia's indefensible aggression; however, if Ukraine is to retain its independence, it will need more than just the world's platitudes and emotional support. It will need their significant and immediate financial assistance. As many of Local 78' s members are of Eastern European descent, we have been watching this situation closely. We have researched several organizations which have taken the initiative to provide emergency relief to the Ukrainian people. After completing our inquiry, we settled on Razom for Ukraine ("Razom") who we believe is reliable and qualified to deliver the needed assistance. Of course, the Local's limited resources prevent us from contributing as significantly as we would like; we have, nevertheless, contributed $24,500 to the cause in solidarity. Pawel Gruchacz Business manager Local 78