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103Today Spring 2026 Newsletter

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Brothers and Sisters,

BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT

Across Greater Boston, the pace of work continues to grow, and with it, the opportunities for IBEW Local 103 members. From major public investments to complex life sciences and commercial developments, our members are on the job, powering the projects of our region forward.

We are seeing that firsthand through projects like the Vertex Pharmaceuticals facility in the Seaport, along with a wave of new school construction, mixed-use projects, and continued growth in Boston’s innovation economy. Together, these projects highlight the sustained, high-skill demand in our region.

That’s exactly why we’re investing in training. The opening of our new Joint Apprentice Training Center in Wilmington marks a significant step forward for Local 103. Alongside our Dorchester facility, this expansion strengthens our ability to welcome more apprentices, increase access to training, and ensure our members are prepared for the evolving needs of the industry.

At the same time, we continue to make progress in securing Project Labor Agreements that protect the standards of our work and protect our members.

Good policy doesn’t just happen on its own; we have to fight for it. We’re seeing real momentum, including state and local-level action to bring PLAs back into focus for major projects.

Beyond the work itself, the strength of our Local is reflected in our membership. Events like the 103 Hoops Invitational, the Sports Spring Classic, and our continued community engagement shows the brotherhood and sisterhood that define Local 103.

As we look ahead, the pipeline of work remains strong, and so does our commitment to train the next generation and deliver the skilled workforce that keeps Greater Boston moving. We’re not just keeping up with the region’s growth, we’re driving it.

IBEW Local 103

JOB SPOTLIGHT: VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS

IBEW Local 103 members are powering the next generation of life sciences innovation, renovating and upgrading Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ more than 60,000 sq. ft. of advanced research and cGMP manufacturing facility in Boston’s Seaport Innovation District.

This highly technical project spans multiple specialized environments, including:

• Laboratories and drug development spaces

• Kilo lab and controlled manufacturing areas

• Office space and a remote warehouse component

The facility supports Vertex’s groundbreaking work in cell and genetic therapies — research with the potential to treat and even cure serious diseases, including type 1 diabetes and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. That’s the kind of work our members are proud to power.

In partnership with Suffolk, we’re proud to be the workforce powering the facilities where tomorrow’s breakthroughs begin. Currently on-site:

Currently on-site: State Electric Corporation

JOB SPOTLIGHT:

BU’S WARREN TOWERS RENOVATION

IBEW Local 103 members are officially on-site at Boston University, bringing to life a project we first highlighted as a “job on the horizon” in last summer’s newsletter.

The $550 million project is a comprehensive renovation and modernization of Warren Towers, BU’s iconic three-tower residential complex overlooking the Charles River. Originally constructed in the late 1960s, Warren Towers is one of the largest student housing facilities in the country, home to approximately 1,800 students each year.

This multi-phase effort is focused on upgrading the aging infrastructure while

reimagining the buildings to meet modern standards for student living.

The work includes major electrical system upgrades, improved life safety systems, enhanced energy efficiency, and full interior renovations of student rooms and common areas. Once complete, the project will preserve the historic footprint of Warren Towers, while delivering a significantly improved experience for generations of students to come.

Construction is expected to continue through 2028.

JOBS ON THE HORIZON

Across Greater Boston, major construction projects are moving from planning into active development — bringing new opportunities for Local 103 members at every stage of the work.

From large-scale public investments to complex commercial and life sciences developments, these projects reflect the growing demand for a highly trained, skilled workforce to power the region’s evolving infrastructure.

Below are key projects where Local 103 members will be on the job in the months ahead:

REVERE HIGH SCHOOL

The new Revere High School project represents one of the largest public school investments in Massachusetts, delivering a modern, 422,600 square foot facility designed to serve more than 2,450 students.

Located at the former Wonderland site, the project will create a state-of-the-art campus featuring advanced science labs, technologyequipped classrooms, collaborative learning spaces, and dedicated areas for arts and athletics. The facility is being designed as net-zero ready and fossil fuel–free, with high-performance building systems aimed at long-term energy efficiency.

GILLETTE HQ SEAPORT

The transformation of Gillette’s 31 acre South Boston campus represents a major development of one of the city’s last remaining industrial waterfront sites. Backed by nearly a $1 billion investment, the project will convert the existing campus into a largescale mixed-use district over multiple phases.

Plans include new office and research space, housing, retail, and public waterfront access, along with significant open space designed to better connect the site to the surrounding neighborhood.

LONGWOOD PLACE DEVELOPMENT

The Longwood Place development will transform a key site in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area into a major mixed-use hub for research, housing, and community space.

Spanning approximately 1.7 million square feet across five buildings, the project includes new life science and office space alongside more than 380 residential units, including affordable housing, helping address Boston’s growing demand for housing. The development also features 2.6 acres of publicly accessible open space, designed to support the area’s workforce and create a more connected, livable neighborhood.

► Top: Revere High School
Middle: Gillette HQ Seaport
Bottom: Longwood Place Development

103 HOOPS INVITATIONAL

IBEW Local 103 was proud to host our firstever 103 Hoops Invitational at the historic Auerbach Center, welcoming IBEW Local 481 all the way from Indianapolis!

The event featured two competitive matchups, beginning with a double overtime game that ended 53–52, followed by a second game victory, 56–43, both in favor of Local 481.

Beyond the competition, the day brought IBEW members together and offered Local 481 a firsthand look at Local 103’s Bostonian brotherhood.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the event such a success. We’ll be ready for the rematch!

SPORTS SPRING CLASSIC: APPRENTICES VS. JOURNEYMEN

Local 103 members brought the energy across two action-packed weekends, as the Sports Spring Classic delivered competition, pride, and plenty of fun.

On Saturday, April 4, the hockey game and family free skate at Warrior Arena brought families together for a full day on the ice. The Apprentice vs. Journeyman matchup finished with the apprentices securing the win over the journeymen, 7–4.

MVP CORNER

ANTHONY LINUS

APPRENTICE MVP HOCKEY

BILLY WEINSTEIN

JOURNEYMAN MVP HOCKEY

ISAIAH WARSAME

APPRENTICE MVP

BASKETBALL

JEFF HOWARD

JOURNEYMAN MVP

BASKETBALL

On Sunday, April 12, the action shifted to Quincy for a tournament-style basketball showdown, where Apprentice vs. Journeyman teams battled it out on the court. The games finished with the apprentices securing the win over the journeymen, 98-76.

Thank you to everyone who came out on both days to make this another unforgettable Sports Spring Classic for the Local 103 family.

WILMINGTON TRAINING CENTER

OPENS ITS DOORS

A new chapter for training is underway with the opening of the Joint Apprentice Training Center (JATC) in Wilmington. This expansion extends IBEW Local 103’s reach north of Boston and makes it easier than ever for members to access the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

This new state-of-the-art facility builds on the strong foundation of our Dorchester campus, creating a more convenient and accessible option for members and apprentices in communities north of the city. By reducing travel time and bringing training closer to where members live and work, the Wilmington JATC removes a major barrier to participation and engagement.

The addition of a northern campus strengthens Local 103’s overall footprint, ensuring that members across the region have better access to the training and resources that support their careers. It also improves day-to-day convenience for contractors and apprentices alike, making it easier to stay connected and involved.

Together, the Wilmington and Dorchester campuses enhance accessibility and flexibility, ensuring that IBEW Local 103 continues to meet members where they are and deliver the support they need.

This is what investing in our members looks like, and it’s something every Local 103 member can take pride in.

PLA s: THE GOLD STANDARD FOR MASSACHUSETTS

Across Massachusetts, Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) are driving a public construction boom and setting the standard for delivering major infrastructure on-time and on-budget.

One year after Governor Maura Healey directed state agencies to evaluate PLAs on large public works projects over $35 million, the results are clear:

• The Healey-Driscoll administration’s $1.2 billion Chapter 90 plan is delivering $300 million annually to cities and towns for roads, bridges, and sidewalks.

• In Boston, the North Station Draw One Bridge replacement will be built under a PLA, creating 15,000+ jobs while upgrading a critical commuter rail line used by millions.

• Agreed to PLAs with MBTA, MassDot, and Massport.

• And projects like the Holyoke Veterans Home are ahead of schedule! That investment is reaching across every corner of the state, with more expected

PLA opportunities through proposals like the BRIGHT Act, Massport Braintree Park & Ride, and UMass upgrades, further creating opportunities for IBEW 103 members. PLAs reflect the standards we’ve always fought for: fair wages, strong benefits, safe jobsites, and retirement security, bringing consistency and accountability to entire projects. They also build the next generation by requiring registered apprentices and strengthening pathways into union careers.

With more projects moving forward under PLAs, that momentum is only growing.

Maura Healey, Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development Lauren Jones, and Business Manager Lou Antonellis

UPCOMING EVENTS

JATC APPRENTICE GRADUATION – CLASS OF 2026

Join us on Thursday, June 4, as we celebrate the graduation of the 79th Apprentice Class. Together, we will congratulate them on their successful completion of our five-year program and wish them well in their careers in the union electrical industry.

Thursday, June 4 at 6:00 p.m.

Dorchester Union Hall – 256 Freeport St, Dorchester, MA

LOCAL 103 PIN NIGHT

Save the date for our annual Local 103 Pin Night as we honor members celebrating 20 or more years of dedicated service to our union. We look forward to recognizing this year’s honorees.

Rescheduled to Tuesday, June 16 at 5:30 p.m.

Dorchester Union Hall – 256 Freeport St, Dorchester, MA

LOCAL 103 FAMILY DAY AT FENWAY PARK

Join us for a day at the ballpark as we celebrate Local 103 Family Day with the Boston Red Sox as they take on the San Francisco Giants. Be on the lookout for registration details!

Saturday, August 22

Fenway Park

103 COMMITTEE AND CLUB NEWS

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Local 103 was back in South Boston for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, taking part in one of the city’s most recognized traditions.

The Local 103 float moved through the route alongside a wide range of groups and organizations, representing the Local in front of the large crowds that turn out each year. Events like this offer a chance to be seen outside of the jobsite and be part of something that has long been a fixture in Boston.

JATC Update

NEW WILMINGTON JATC OPENING

Classes began at the new JATC facility in Wilmington during the first week of April, marking an exciting expansion of training opportunities for our members. A grand opening event was held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, welcoming members to see the new space firsthand.

CODE UPDATE CLASSES (IN-PERSON & ONLINE)

The JATC will be offering in-person Code Update classes in both Dorchester and Wilmington, providing convenient options for members. Code Update dates will be announced upon the acceptance of the Massachusetts Electrical Code by the state. In addition, the newly developed 2026 online Code Update course, created by Local 103 and the Boston JATC will be offered to all members at no cost this spring.

CONTINUING EDUCATION OFFERINGS

A full lineup of Continuing Education courses is being made available this spring on the Boston JATC website. These courses include both in-person and online options, with classes held in Dorchester and Wilmington to maximize accessibility for members.

GRADUATION CEREMONY

The Boston JATC will host its graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 4, celebrating more than 275 graduates. Additional details and event information can be found at: BostonJATC.com/graduation

Trust Funds Update

If you ride a motorcycle or drive a vehicle registered outside of Massachusetts, please make sure your coverage aligns with the Health Plan, specifically in the area of “Personal Injury Protection” and/or “Medical Payments.”

The Health Plan works with several vendors to ensure the best coverage for Participants. As a result, we have different identification cards for different benefits. Here is a list of the cards as a reminder:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is for medical coverage only

• CVS Caremark is for all prescription medication benefits

• Delta Dental is for dental benefits

• Davis Vision is for vision care benefits

Any time there is a change in your status or that of your family, it is required that you let the Trust Funds Office know. Examples include marriage, divorce, birth, death, SSDI awards for a Participant or dependent, and eligibility for Medicare or any other insurance. The Trust Funds Office continues to get a significant amount of returned mail. Please make sure we have your latest contact information.

If you haven’t updated your beneficiary information in a while, please contact the Trust Funds Office to verify and possibly update your beneficiary/beneficiaries.

256 Freeport Street

Dorchester, MA 02122

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103Today Spring 2026 Newsletter by IBEW Local 103 - Issuu