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Winter 2015–2016

DOCUMENT SIZE: 8.5” x 11” 4C PROCESS

Laborers’ Rally/Benefits SeminarOctober 1, 2016 • 3:00 PMBoston Convention Center

La revista está disponible en el sitio de web en español.

Armand E. Sabitoni, General Secretary-Treasurer of LIUNA, with Terry O’Sullivan, General President of LIUNA, will highlight the

Rally/Benefits Seminar along with Boston Mayor Marty Walsh

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E M A S S A C H U S E T T S L A B O R E R S ’ B E N E F I T F U N D S

Fall 2016

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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts ����������������������������������������������������Page 3

Express Scripts, Inc� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 4

Davis Vision �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 5

Delta Dental �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 6

E4 MAP Program �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 7

Retiree Benefits ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 8

Legal Services ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 9

Viewpoint -- Health & Welfare, Pension and Annuity �������������������������������Page 10

Training Center Schedule for September and October 2016 ���������������������Page 11

This newsletter contains information regarding the MassachusettsLaborers' Pension, Health and Welfare and Annuity Funds. The actual

Fund provisions may be found in the Funds' Plan documents which includethe actual Plan and Trust Agreement. In the event of a conflict betweenthe wording in this newsletter and the Plan documents that govern the

Plans, the Plan documents shall govern.Please keep this newsletter with your Summary Plan Description (SPD)

booklet and other benefit materials for future reference.

Send address changes and newsletter questions, comments and ideas to:

Massachusetts Laborers' Benefit FundsPost Office Box 1501

1400 District Avenue, Suite 200Burlington, MA 01803

or call: (800) 342-3792www.mlbf.org

Contents

On the Cover

Massachusetts Laborers’ Rally/Benefits Seminar

Fall 2016

Mass. Laborer is published by the Massachusetts Laborers' Health and Welfare, Pension and

Annuity Funds. Trustees of the three Funds are listed

alphabetically:

Thomas Andrews

David Araujo

Garry Balboni

Joseph Bonfiglio

Mark R. Burns

David Carter

Donald C. Cook, Jr.

Rodney Frias

Thomas J. Gunning

Louis Mandarini, Jr.

Matthew McCourt

James Merloni, Jr.

Dominic Ottaviano

Peter Rizzuto

Leo Ryan

Michael Sanchez

Robert Toomey

Michael Tranghese

Thomas Troy, Jr.

Martin Walsh

Barry McAnarneyExecutive Director

Fall 2016 3

Working for a healthier You.

www.ahealthyme.com

Visit the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Labor Affairs booth on October 1 for information and giveaways.

Contact UsLocate a Provider:1-800-810-2583 or use the new & improved Find a Doctor Tool at www.bluecrossma.com

Our representatives will be available to answer your questions regarding your Massachusetts Laborers’ Health and Welfare Plan as well as the new Medex group plan.

24-Hour Nurse Line:Medical professional available by calling the Blue Care Line toll free at: 1-888-247-BLUE (2583)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

Fall 20164

 

Contact Us: Customer Service: 1-800-467-2006 Website: www.express-scripts.com

Download our mobile App on your App store!

Health is our business. Care is our passion.

Express Scripts, your prescription benefit manager, is putting medicine within reach of people who need it. Every day, we are privileged to serve 80 million Americans and give them the best, most affordable, care anywhere by practicing pharmacy smarter.

We’re proud to support Massachusetts Laborers at the Member Rally on Oct. 1. We’re always working to improve your experience and we’ll be available at the event to answer any questions you may have. Stop by our booth for information and giveaways – we look forward to meeting you.

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Fall 20166

   

465 Medford Street Boston, MA 02129 Dental Services of Massachusetts, Inc. is an independent licensee of the Delta Dental Plans Association. ®Registered marks of the Delta Dental Plans Association. ©2016 DSM. SP1205

Smile! Delta Dental of Massachusetts is committed to the oral health of the Massachusetts Laborers’ Health & Welfare Fund Members and their families. Come visit us at our booth for information on your Delta Dental plan, Giveaways and Raffle prizes! Visit us at www.deltadentalma.com for our Monthly Oral Health Calendar! Guaranteed to Make You Smile! Your benefits are accessible to you anytime, anywhere when you download the Delta Dental app. Member information can also be found at our website which also provides eligibility status, claim status, and a list of all our participating dentists. As Delta Dental PPO™ Plus Premier subscribers, you have access to two of Delta Dental’s extensive national networks – Delta Dental PPO, with more than 293,000 participating dentist locations and Delta Dental Premier, the largest dental network in the country with more than 368,000 dentist locations. Our Member Service Number: 1-800-872-0500.

Delta Dental App

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD DELTA DENTAL MOBILE

 

Denise Maggio   Elena Robles  

Fall 2016 7

Your Member Assistance Pro-gram (MAP) from E4 Health provides free support for you and your family with any work or life issue. Topics include, but are not limited to:

- Health and wellbeing

- Tobacco sessation

- Work-life balance

- Relationship and family issues

- Child care

- Elder care

- Finances and debt

- Disability and illness

- Workplace issues

- Bereavement and loss

- Stress

- Anxiety and depression

- Alcohol and substance abuse

Please call us for all alcohol and substance abuse support, referrals, and treatment options, as all these services require prior authorization by MAP. Our licensed counselors can provide guidance and suggest the most appropriate services that are covered by the Fund.TOLL-FREE: 800-522-6763

WEBSITE: www.HelloE4.comUSERNAME: mass laborersPASSWORD: guest

We all experience life challenges, uncertainties, and stress. When you, your loved one, or co-worker could use some support with any work, life, family, personal, or wellness issue, let your E4 Health Member Assistance Program help. Call or log on any time, any day for professional resources, counseling, and referrals you can count on to help you stay well and well balanced.

EQUIPPING YOU FOR WORK AND LIFE:

The Tools You Need for Success

Always available. Always confidential.

Please stop by our booth to learn more, pickup free giveaways, and to register to win Amazon gift cards.

Fall 20168

MASSACHUSETTS & NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND

LABORERS’ DISTRICT COUNCIL

RETIREE PROGRAM

To all Massachusetts and Northern New England Retirees

Please join us

At this year’s Membership Rally.

October 1, 2016 Boston Convention Center

415 Summer St, Boston, MA 02210

Visit the Davis Vision & District Council Retiree Exhibit Booths with any retiree benefit questions.

Guest Speakers

LIUNA General President

Terry O’Sullivan

LIUNA General Secretary-Treasurer & New England Regional Manager

Armand E. Sabitoni

Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh

Doors Open 3:00 pm

Vendor exhibits 3:00-5:00

Rally 5:30 – 7:30

Reception with Food Beverage and Live Entertainment immediately following the Rally

7 Laborers’ Way Hopkinton, MA 01748

Phone: (508) 435-4164 Fax: (7508) 435-7982

Massachusetts & NNE Laborers’ District Council

Fall 2016 9

MASSACHUSETTS LABORERS’ LEGAL SERVICES FUNDA LABORERS’ BENEFIT FUND

1400 DISTRICT AVENUE, SUITE 100BURLINGTON, MA 01803

TELEPHONE: 781-273-3939 • TOLL FREE: 1-800-852-3000TOLL FREE ME-NH-VT: 1-800-225-4213

FAX: 781-273-1133EMAIL: info@mllsf.org

WEBSITE: http://mlbf.org/legal/

For forty years, the Legal Services Fund has been proud to serve the hard

working men and women of the Laborers’ Union and their families� The Fund

provides a wide range of services for members and their families who may need legal

assistance with consumer issues, debt or bankruptcy, domestic relations and probate

issues, real estate transactions, landlord and tenant issues, motor vehicle and traffic

offences, and other criminal offenses� The Fund is here to provide you with high-

quality legal advice, counseling and representation�

Visit Our Booth to Meet the Legal Services Staff

Fall 201610

Louis Mandarini, Jr. Chairman, Health & Welfare Fund

James Merloni, Jr.Chairman, Pension Fund

Martin WalshChairman, Annuity Fund

Pension Fund ViewpointWhere do all the days go? We are already into August and I am happy to report that the Massachusetts Laborers’ Pension Fund is having a very good year, both with an increase in hours, up 526,000 through the first 7 months of the year, and also investment returns, a very strong estimated positive return of 6�4%�

The Pension Fund continues to look at infrastructure investments that create a good rate of return while also providing valuable work hours for our members� Currently, the Pension Fund invests with 6 different infrastructure funds with $85 million committed to infrastructure investments� We hope to continue this great work environment and positive investment returns for the rest of 2016�

Health and Welfare Fund ViewpointLike the Pension Fund, work has been strong for the Health and Welfare Fund with an increase of 698,000 hours for the first 7 months of the year on our way to making 16 million work hours for 2016! Also, we have had a very positive estimated investment return of 6.3% for the year through July. I know you all received a recent mailing listing plan benefit improvements that the Trustees voted on at our last Board meeting. Infertility benefits were added after several inquiries from plan participants� Also, we responded to the “Short Hours Buy-In Rule” that allows a member who is 40 hours or less short of hours to receive Health and Welfare coverage to “buy in” and receive medical benefits. And finally, we are no longer requiring pre-authorization for the massage therapy benefit. We believe these plan improvements will improve on our plan of benefits for all laborers and their families.

Annuity Fund ViewpointThe Annuity Fund has experienced the same positive results as both Pension and Health and Welfare. Employment for the first seven months is up 717,000 work hours. While the estimated return is 6�4% so far this year, the Annuity Fund continues to look at real estate and infrastructure investments that both add a quality rate of return while also adding work hours for our members� The Annuity Fund currently has $155 million committed to real estate investments and $69 million committed to infrastructure investments� The Annuity Fund Trustees believe that these types of investments benefit our members both by work hours, a positive rate of return, and work for our partner contractors in the Fund�

We look forward to seeing all of our members/spouses and retirees at the Laborers’ Rally/Benefit Seminar on Saturday, October 1, 2016, at the Boston Convention Center� Stop by and meet with Fund office staff to discuss any questions or issues you have about all of your great labor benefits.

Fund Viewpoints

Fall 201610

Fall 2016 11

Oct. 3–4 CPR/First Aid/Flagging

Oct. 3–4 OSHA 10

Oct. 3–21 3 Wks. General Construction—FULL

Oct. 11–28 3 Wks. General Construction—FULL

Oct. 11 8 Hr. Hazardous Waste Worker Refresher—English

Oct. 11 8 Hr. Hazardous Waste Worker Refresher—Spanish

Oct. 12 8 Hr. Asbestos Worker Refresher—English

Oct. 12 8 Hr. Asbestos Worker Refresher—Spanish

Oct. 13 8 Hr. Lead Worker Refresher—English

Oct. 13 8 Hr. Lead Worker Refresher—Spanish Oct. 24–26 Blue Print Reading/Line & Grade

Oct. 13–14 CPR/First Aid/Flagging Oct. 24–28 40 Hr. Hazardous Waste Worker

Oct. 17–21 40 Hr. Hazardous Waste Worker Oct. 24–Nov. 10 3 Wks. General Construction—FULL

Oct. 19–20 Forklift (Rough Terrain) Oct. 27–28 16 Hr. Hand Signal Person

Oct. 21 Hoisting License Prep. Oct. 31–Nov. 4 40 Hr. Hazardous Waste Worker

NEW ENGLANDLABORERS’ TRAINING TRUST FUNDJAMES V� MERLONI, JR�, ADMINISTRATOR37 EAST STREETHOPKINTON, MA 01748PHONE (508) 435-6316FAX (508) 435-4302

UNION TRUSTEESARMAND E� SABITONI, CHAIRMANVINCENT R� MASINO,VICE-CHAIRMANDONATO A� BIANCO, JR�JOSEPH BONFIGLIO MICHAEL F� SABITONI

EMPLOYER TRUSTEESJOHN D� O’REILLY III, SEC�-TREAS�RODNEY FRIASTHOMAS S� GUNNING IIIDAVID F� RAMPONESTEPHEN A� CARDI

Just a reminder from New England Laborers’ Training Academy that all members should please contact their Local Unions to schedule classes for this upcoming season. The Training Center is well prepared to train our members in all aspects of the construction industry. Each year, the Training Center becomes busier, meeting the needs of our contractors and more importantly, our members. Please call early to ensure a spot in whichever program would best benefit you.

JAMES D� MERLONI IIITraining Director

September 2016

New England Laborers’ Training Trust Fund News

Sept. 19–23 40 Hr. Hazardous Waste Worker

Sept. 26 8 Hr. Asbestos Worker Supervisor Refresher

Sept. 26–30 40 Hr. Asbestos Worker

Sept. 27 8 Hr. Hazardous Waste Worker Refresher—English

Sept. 27 8 Hr. Hazardous Waste Worker Refresher—Spanish

Sept. 28 8 Hr. Asbestos Worker Refresher—English

Sept. 28 8 Hr. Asbestos Worker Refresher—Spanish

Sept. 29–30 Scaffold User/Builder

October 2016

Published by:Massachusetts Laborers’ Benefit Funds P.O. Box 15011400 District Avenue, Suite 200Burlington, MA 01803Barry McAnarney, Executive Director

Volunteer Labor on Nearby New Homes Helping Pay Off Lowell Addiction Center’s Bills

For about a year, laborers between jobs, plumbers on their way home at the end of a day’s work, and volunteers with a host of other skills have parked their trucks on a quiet dead end in Pawtucketville and spent a few hours hammering away on four, slowly rising houses, all for the benefit of Megan’s House Foundation, an addiction recovery program� Dozens of men and women from Laborers’ Local Union #429 in Lowell have donated their time�

Thomas Erickson, the local’s business manager, said he sends new recruits out to the site for experience and supplies veteran workers when they are in between jobs� It’s for a cause particularly relevant to the union: Men between the ages of 25 and 54 made up the majority of overdose deaths in 2015, and laborers are particularly susceptible to addiction because they are often prescribed opioid pain killers for injuries suffered on the job� “I lost three guys last year and more the year before that,” Erickson said� “I’ve also had to suspend people that we lost along the way�” It’s a positive for everybody involved, he added� He keeps his members busy, Megan’s House gets much needed help, and hopefully he can convince some of the women currently completing their treatment to go into the building trades once they graduate�

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