About Us

Cement masonry is one of the world’s oldest and most notable trades. Over the ages Cement Masons have been honored by a legacy of treasured structures. Cement Masons Local 404 carries this pride forward through a Union of professionals committed to the quality and integrity of their craft. Cement Masons Local 404 was chartered by the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons’ International Association on July 17, 1917. Local 404 has a membership in excess of 575 including Apprentices, Journeypersons and Retirees. The Union has a geographical jurisdiction that includes Lorain, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Ashtabula counties in Ohio. The contractor partners with the Union perform all types of work throughout the industry including, but not limited to, concrete flatwork, structural concrete, roads, bridges, restoration, epoxies and coatings, concrete polishing, etc.

Quality Through Skilled Workmanship

The hallmark of the Union Cement Mason is his uncompromising respect for quality and attention to detail. A team spirit permeates the process from setting the form work, to laying the foundation, through the finishing processes, saw cutting, to the application of the final protective coatings. Cement Masons understand that what they build must not only pass the tough scrutiny of their own supervisors, work-site inspectors and project coordinators… but also serve to reflect the pride of their trade for years to come.

Highly Competitive

Union labor not only delivers the best quality and production, but is also an extremely competitive workforce in terms of bottom line cost savings. Given the tax-deductible fringe package, the burden to the contractor of taxable wage driven cost (Workers’ Comp., Social Security, FICA, liability insurance, etc.) is significantly reduced. Additionally, apprentice utilization, combined with a well-trained workforce, Ohio BWC compliant drug free workplace program (CISAP) and respirator program (MARS) give the Union contractor an advantage in a very competitive market.

Becoming a Union Contractor

Requirements to become a Cement Masons contractor are straightforward and uncomplicated. The contractor must become signatory to either a Building Trades or statewide Heavy and Highway Agreement depending on which part of the industry they perform work in. These Agreements stipulate that wages consistent with prevailing wage will be paid and the members’ benefits will be paid in a timely manner. All working rules and conditions are clearly spelled out in these Agreements. There is no upfront cost to become a signatory contractor. The Agreements are negotiated between the Union and our Association partners. The Building Trades Agreement is negotiated with the Concrete Contractors Association of Cleveland, which is an affiliated Association of the Construction Employer’s Association. This Agreement covers all aspects of the commercial concrete industry. The Heavy Highway Agreement is negotiated on a statewide level between all of the Cement Mason Local Unions in the State of Ohio and the Ohio Contractors Association. Links to the contractor associations, wage packages, fringe benefit forms and other pertinent information can be found under the Notices tab on this site.