IUOE Local 825

09/02/2024

Labor Day means so much more than a long weekend.
Beyond the beaches and barbecues is the history of the labor movement that championed the working men and women of every trade. It was their blood sweat and tears that achieved benefits that we now appreciate but often take for granted.
Today we celebrate that labor movement and resolve to stand united for the next generations.

Happy Labor Day. Enjoy your well-earned holiday.

08/28/2024

Can't believe summer's almost over ... but wait! There's more! If it's Labor Day Weekend then the Local 825 banner plane greeting must be going through preflight right about now ... if you're anywhere -- anywhere! -- along the Jersey Shore this weekend, keep your eyes peeled heavenward, especially when you hear an engine grinding up the shoreline. If you see our message, wishing a safe and happy Labor Day to all onlookers, post it here (with or without a picture) on our page ... courtesy of the members of Local 825.

08/27/2024

Of all the unions and union brass in New Jersey, only one emerged as the most influential: Business Manager Greg Lalevee. This is no surprise to those of us who see how hard Greg works every day, but you can also read why ROI chose him to lead this year's list of ROI Influencers.

Greg Lalevee Business manager International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 825 Greg Lalevee is proud of all the things the approximately 7,800 members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 have worked on in the state. The widening of the New Jersey Turnpike and efforts on....

08/22/2024

Waiting and working go hand in hand as the wheels of bureaucracy, federal and state, turn slowly.

Times are good for construction unions, as Greg Lalevee of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 attests to. But, he adds, at risk of sounding piggish … they could be better. There’s promise in today’s landscape for them — with the federal government’s $1 trillion in inf...

08/21/2024

Get your motor running for the 12th Annual Local 825 Poker Run on Sunday, Sept. 22.

The ride will start at the Dayton Training Center and end at the Old Bridge Moose Lodge with plenty of Food and Music. Registration takes place between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Tickets are $45 and are available at
www.eventbrite.com
Search: Local 825
Location: NJ

See the Flyer for even more information.

08/13/2024

Local 825 Business Manager Greg Lalevee once again joins State of Affairs with Steve Adubato. The discussion this time is about opportunities offered by changing technology and how Local 825 is preparing for change. Includes an interesting segment on Artificial Intelligence. The show will be broadcast this weekend on SteveAdubato.org, Steve's YouTube channel, MyNJPBS.org, Thirteen.org, the Thirteen Explore app, and the NJ PBS app after the first airing.

08/12/2024

Union representation has improved nationally but not nearly as much as it has in New Jersey. What’s up with that? Business Manager Greg Lalevee explains.

The director of the Labor Education Action Research Network at Rutgers University cites a number of reasons, including a strong presence in construction, transportation, and the public sector at both the state and municipal levels.

08/02/2024

Business Manager Greg Lalevee makes the case for the Turnpike widening project, and for why you should let Gov. Murphy know you support it.

The expansion of the New Jersey Turnpike into Jersey City is a project that will propel our economy forward.

07/29/2024

Local 825 families returned to Black Bear Lake yesterday for a picnic celebration under mostly sunny skies. Hundreds of family members streamed into the park in Millstone NJ beginning at noon and enjoyed food and fun until well into the afternoon. The park grounds are immaculate and offer a wide range of activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, playgrounds, co****le, volleyball, basketball and more. Business Manager Greg Lalevee was on hand to greet everyone. Event organizer Chris Lalevee expressed satisfaction with the turnout. It was a great day to be at Black Bear Lake.

07/22/2024

Yesterday, we enjoyed our 6th annual fishing trip aboard the Miss Belmar Princess. Business Manager Greg Lalevee and President John Wood greeted members at the dock, setting the tone for a fantastic day. The event was sold out with 90 members on board. The weather was beautiful and the fishing was even better. All of the children aboard received a fishing pole to take home. Thanks to everyone who joined us and made it a memorable event!

Congratulations to Dan O’Keefe for catching the biggest fish TWO YEARS IN A ROW!

07/22/2024

There are still tickets available to next Sunday’s Family Picnic! The weather forecast looks perfect — not too hot or cold with sunshine all day — so bring your friends and family and enjoy a day with a variety of activities for all ages.

Each ticket includes the following:
Food: 5 Hour BBQ Buffet, Clam Bar, Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Sno-cones, Churros, Unlimited Soda & Water, Beer & Wine Stations.
Games: Fishing area with Fishing Derby (poles supplied), Tennis, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Softball Field, Kickball and Co****le.
Activities: 5 Acre Private Lake with Tiki Beach with Lounge Chairs, Pedal Boats, Water Trampolines and Obstacles, Heated Swimming Pools, 55" Water Slide, Double Swirling Slide, Bear Slide for Younger Guests, Tiki Falls, Inflatable Slip and Slide, Mountain Tubing, Pirate Ship Playground, DJ & Photo Booth, Face Painting, Henna Tattoos, Balloon Twister, Character Drawing.
Prizes: Swag Bags for the first 500 including 825 Hat, Drink Koozie, Keychain and more!

Contact EVENTBRITE FOR TICKETS:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/local-825-picnic-tickets-893785415237

07/16/2024

The Local 825 fishing trip is sold out for this Sunday and the weather so far looks good. We'll be along for all the sun, fun and fish! The Miss Belmar Princess pulls away from the dock promptly at 7 a.m.

07/16/2024

NJBIZ magazine explores the "Operating Engineer of the Future" with Business Manager Greg Lalevee and hears of the innovative educational apprentice program that recently saw its first graduates earn their Associates Degrees from Hudson County Community College.

The labor leader discusses the union's educational partnership with Hudson County Community College and the status of major infrastructure projects around the state.

07/11/2024

Business Manager Greg Lalevee, along with ELEC and Training Center members, hosted NY Governor Kathy Hochul at the NY Training Center in New Hampton yesterday.

With the largest multi-year State Transportation Plan ever approved in New York, the NY governor has a deep interest in meeting with the men and women behind the construction of several mega projects.

NY plans to invest $32.8 billion in highway, bridge, rail, port, airport and downstate suburban and upstate transit infrastructure improvements.

The governor tried her hand operating a simulator and a backhoe and did well but is not planning to give up her day job.

Local 825 members gave the governor a warm welcome and let her know that her programs are very much appreciated.
(Photos by John Flores.)

07/09/2024

$6.9 billion dollars ensures the future of the Gateway tunnel construction across the Hudson River is secured!

The Gateway project to build a new rail tunnel beneath the Hudson for Amtrak and NJ Transit reached a major milestone.

07/08/2024

Atlantic Shores South offshore wind farm gets some wind to its back as it picks up a Department of Interior approval. Still subject to additional federal reviews, the project would be built approximately nine miles off of Atlantic City.

The U.S. Department of the Interior approved the proposed Atlantic Shores South offshore wind farm in New Jersey on Tuesday, giving a major boost to a project that would be the state’s first. To be clear, the project still requires additional federal approvals of its construction and operations pl...

07/03/2024

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress declared 13 American colonies independent from Great Britain. The act of defiance touched off the American Revolution and ever since has been a symbol of freedom from oppression. July 4 is a federal holiday … enjoy the day with family and friends. Happy Fourth of July!

06/24/2024

Temperatures were high but that didn’t keep friends and members of Local 825 from enjoying the annual Clay Shoot at Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays in Coplay, PA.

Event champion John Rocco said the shootout was sold out, showing it remains one of Local 825’s most popular events.

After registering on arrival, members and guests picked up their ammo, mingled with friends, loaded their carts, stuffed their ears with earplugs and headed out to their designated station. From there on out it was a blast, two hours of “ready, aim, fire!”

When the shells were all spent, everyone headed back to the main area for lunch, door prizes and awards … another awesome day with friends.

06/20/2024

With temperatures reaching unprecedented levels for long periods, it is important to take care to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially working outdoors. This article is from Michigan but is very informative on the topic. Always be aware of signs of heat exhaustion so your condition (or that of a work mate) doesn't progress to the more serious heat stroke.

With proper precautions, most heat illnesses can be prevented. Learn more.

06/19/2024

Today is June 19, also known as Juneteenth, which became a federal holiday in 2021.

The day marks the day in 1865 that federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform people still living in slavery that they had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation two years earlier. The troops were sent to ensure that enslaved people were free to pursue their independence and to understand the legal rights for black people in America. As such, the day celebrates freedom helps bring to light ongoing issues and efforts for true freedomIt is a day for activism, remembrance and increased awareness.

Those who celebrate Juneteenth have different traditions for marking the holiday, and it’s important to know what some of them are.

06/18/2024

An estimated 500 members filled the seats of the Prudential Center in Newark last night to attend the mid-year semiannual meeting.

It was a change of pace from the normal meetings and one that added some additional fun to the evening.

Aside from the venue, Business Manager Greg Lalevee gave members more to feel good about. He reported that Local 825 is in great shape. And that the Funds are strong and in great financial condition.

Greg acknowledged the work of former Funds Administrator Chris Medich and also introduced new Funds Administrator Sherry Viso and her staff. He also referenced the return of the health fairs, the second one of the year will be held tomorrow (Thursday) at the New Jersey Training Center and Technical College.

There are also ongoing discussions to emphasize health and wellness … stay tuned for further announcements.

Greg also recognized Cesar Gamio on his retirement. Cesar started on the union staff as an organizer in May 2001.
He has served as a business agent in the shops
and for the last number of years as an outside
construction agent in Bergen and Passaic counties.
Cesar made a career out of relentlessly pursuing
jobs for this membership and constantly protecting

Following Greg’s report many members stayed to enjoy additional food and company at the Prudential Hall, home of the New Jersey Devils.

06/18/2024

The Local 825 NJ Training Center hosted members of NJ Task Force One and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) units earlier this month. The rescuers took part in mock rescue drills in preparation for actual crises that may some day arise. The groups are part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The men are volunteers from towns and cities around the state. The exercises used a dummy weighing about 120 pounds.

“There could come a time when we need to call on these men to someday rescue a sick or injured operator,” said Willie Vaccaro. “Rescues also could be needed on cell towers and other high buildings.”

Local 825’s own training instructor Matt Walker suited up and rappelled off the tower crane.

Business Manager Greg Lalevee praised the group for its courage and dedication. He recalled a garage collapse several years ago and the devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy where Task Force One was called into action. “That’s the thing about crises,” he said. “You can’t always predict when help will hit, or when these rescuers will be needed, so it is important to prepare in advance.”

06/16/2024

Dads unlock potential in their sons and daughters and give them a better view of the world. Be an awesome dad this father's day.

To all our awesome dad's out there, Happy Father's Day, from Local 825.

06/14/2024

Flag Day is celebrated each year on this day, June 14, to honor the symbol of our freedom and everything we stand for as a nation. The Second Continental Congress of the United States passed a resolution on June 14, 1777, adopting the stars and stripes as our flag and it has flown over our citizens, through times of war and peace, since then. We fly it with pride.

06/08/2024

Good news, the IUOE Local 825 Family Picnic is returning in 2024. This event was loved by all who attended in 2022 as a whole day of fun for everyone in the family, of all ages. Kids events, adult activities, swimming, great food all await this year's guests.

The picnic will be held from Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 28, at the Black Bear Lake in Millstone Township, NJ. Complete event and ticket information is attached. Sponsorships are available. To purchase tickets go to eventbrite.com. In the 'search' field type in Local 825 ... then scroll to the picnic information.

This event is fun for all ... food, ice cream and activities are awesome. Proceeds will benefit the IUOE Local 825 Scholarship Fund.

06/06/2024

Congratulations to all our scholarship winners and their families. Local 825 honored their achievements with a dinner and awards presentation Tuesday evening at the Hilton East Brunswick Hotel. The winners and their families all expressed their gratitude and their appreciation of Local 825 members who raise money every year to keep these scholarships going.

Front row, left to right: Reese Hagg, Nicole Alves, Gianna Shembari, Gianna Stipelkovich, Brielle Dixon, Helen Urias.
Middle row: Nicholas Franco, Sebastian Barrera, Tyler McDevitt, Edward Shinn. Back row: Bob Davis, John Wood, Greg Lalevee, Willie Vaccaro, Joe Logan, John Rocco.

06/01/2024

Local 825 members are stripping a 44-acre parcel at Elizabeth Ave. and Grant St., Franklin Township to prepare for a building complex that will include a warehouse and office space.

Two deer joined the work, stripping leaves off of remaining branches during a recent visit arranged by Business Agent John LoCrasto and hosted by Petillo Lead Engineer Matt Callahan.

Operators removed trees, stripped and stored topsoil and are clearing space for a 600,000 square foot building pad on the property that will follow next.

With all the equipment involved, there are also several mechanics on the job. We caught up with one of them, Bryan Graver who took a moment for a photo and then went back to work.

05/30/2024

Atlantic Shores South is on pace to become New Jersey’s first offshore wind development, as the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management releases its Environmental Impact Statement. At almost the same time, the Murphy administration has announced a $125 million settlement with Ørsted after it pulled out of the Ocean Wind project.

Final Environmental Impact Statement will inform BOEM decision on whether to approve the next stage in Atlantic Shores South project.

05/29/2024

Last week's graduation ceremony at Hudson County Community College was a big deal for Local 825 and the 22 apprentices who earned their associates degree. The achievement did not go unnoticed and has been covered by ROI-NJ business magazine. ROI interviewed Business Manager Greg Lalevee who laid out the history and purpose of the innovative program.

As he watched each of the 22 members of the initial cohort of apprentices from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 cross the stage at Red Bull Arena with an associate degree from Hudson County Community College in hand, you couldn’t blame Greg Lalevee if he was looking back at...

05/26/2024

Many towns have adopted the practice of posting photos of their natives who lost their lives in our wars and conflicts. It's a nice practice to remember individual people as opposed to statistics. It also reminds us the magnitude of how many lives were lost and family members who grieved their loss. Take a moment tomorrow to remember any friends or family members you may have lost, as well as the countless other souls who fought for our freedom.