Our Trades
There are many pathways open to UA members, thanks to the wide variety of training and education programs open to all. Choose what suits you best.
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Pipeliners install, repair and maintain oil and gas piping systems all across North America. They perform vital work to keep supplies of oil and natural gas moving safely and efficiently from oil fields to refineries and on to consumers. Pipeliners work “on the road,” often in remote locations. This work
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Pipefitters are highly skilled and certified tradespeople who work on jobs large and small all across North America. They install piping systems in projects ranging from residential to high-tech and extremely sensitive and sophisticated facilities. The work they do can involve high-pressure systems utilizing carbon and stainless steel and many
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Plumbers perform work that is essential to the health and safety of our citizens. Plumbers install drinking water, waste and ventilating systems, as well as wastewater treatment systems large and small, in homes, offices, schools, hospitals and manufacturing facilities. With a growing focus on green technologies, water conservation and energy
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Steamfitters are highly skilled workers who are responsible for every aspect of the installation and maintenance of piping systems in residential, commercial and industrial projects. They are essential to the installation and maintenance of boilers and other high-pressure equipment, especially those used in critical facilities such as hospitals. They also
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Welders are found on almost every jobsite in North America. These skilled workers cut and join a variety of materials, from steel, cast iron and plastic to complex and specialized products used on projects ranging from pipelines and power plants, to pharmaceutical and computer chip factories—and more. Projections show a
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UA Metal Trades workers are found on a wide variety of jobsites all across North America. They work in shipyards, Department of Energy facilities, petrochemical plants, fabrication shops, nuclear power facilities and processing plants associated with industrial facilities, as well as the service sector. Many of these members work in
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Sprinkler Fitters install life and property saving fire protection systems in homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings, hotels and more. As more and more people become aware of the difference these life-saving and property protection systems can make and when new legislation and code changes are implemented there will be more
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Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Service Technicians install, maintain and repair plumbing, heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. These technicians also perform essential work in our national goal to improve energy efficiency. There is high demand for these skilled tradespeople,
Built on Excellence
The UA’s Built on Excellence initiative has three important standards as its foundation: Excellence, Productivity and Safety.
Heart of the UA
Every day across North America UA members are involved in community projects and a whole host of charitable activities that support families and those in need, regardless of union affiliation.
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Colorado Tradeswomen actively support their local community
Members of the Colorado Tradeswomen, a women’s committee founded in Denver, volunteered at Family Tree, a non-profit human services agency providing innovative life-changing services designed to end child abuse, domestic violence and homelessness in Wheat Ridge, Colo. The Colorado Tradeswomen gathered to volunteer at this nonprofit services agency, sanding and
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Local 342 members support local food banks
Members of Plumbers, Steamfitters and HVACR Service Technicians Local 342 support two food banks, one for Alameda County and the other for Contra Costa and Solano counties. Once a month, volunteers from Local 342 participate in various roles to support these local food banks. These volunteers are organized through Local
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UA Local 52 – Vital to the Health of Lowndes County Residents
In April 2024, the International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH) returned to Lowndes County, Ala., for the third consecutive year for the IWSH Community Plumbing Challenge (CPC). The challenge aims to drive change in a region that has suffered from inadequate sanitation for decades. Lowndes County is one of
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Local 562 tradeswomen provide plumbing expertise at transitional housing
Sisters of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562, in conjunction with Missouri Women in the Trades (MOWIT), gave back to their community by donating their time and skills during phase three of a four-phase renovation at Baker House. Baker House is one of three residential transitional housing options available to Keyway
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Local 393 members serve their community
Family Supportive Housing provides temporary housing and supportive services to approximately 180 families every year. Its San Jose Family Shelter is the only shelter in Santa Clara County that exclusively serves single – and two-parent families with children. They can accommodate up to 35 families at a time for up
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Meeting of ‘The Tribe’ tackles mental health
According to the CDC, the suicide rate among construction workers is more than five times higher than the average suicide rate in the United States, with one out of every 2,000 construction workers killing themselves annually. The feeling of isolation can often be a silent accomplice to the epidemic of
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Ladies of 798 continue their amazing charity work
Ladies of 798 was created in 2007 at the Pipeline Convention in Scottsdale, Ariz. Norma Kay Hendrix and Nicole Barnett spearheaded the idea, but Hendrix pointed out that everyone was supportive, including the men and too many spouses to count. The original team, which included men, was committed to making
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Ohio State Association Organizers win lost wages settlement for non-union workers
In 2018, retired Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 777 member Paul Venti started a non-profit corporation to help feed and clothe the homeless, Fighting the Good Fight on Hunger and Homelessness. On Feb. 7, 2010, the Kleen Energy Natural Gas power plant in Middletown, Conn., exploded, killing six Brothers. Venti wanted
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Local 420 member and his wife organize 5k walk and fundraiser
Fourth-generation Steamfitters Local 420 Philadelphia journeyman John Plasha, Jr., and his wife, Ashley, organized a 5k walk and fundraiser for the Angel Names Association. Angel Names Association is a nonprofit organization that aims to ease the financial burden imposed by stillbirth, provide support programs and services for families enduring the
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UA Brothers and Sisters continue to assist the homeless
In 2018, retired Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 777 member Paul Venti started a non-profit corporation to help feed and clothe the homeless, Fighting the Good Fight on Hunger and Homelessness. On Feb. 7, 2010, the Kleen Energy Natural Gas power plant in Middletown, Conn., exploded, killing six Brothers. Venti wanted
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UA Local 597 member uses CPR training to save a life
On July 20, 2023, Chris Ingram, a 13-year member of Pipefitters Local 597, was on the United Piping, Inc. Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) pipeline project in Valparaiso, Ind., when a local laborer fell unconscious. Ingram immediately jumped in and started performing CPR until the paramedics arrived, ultimately saving
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UA VIP program graduate completes 68-mile Ruck for Veteran Suicide Awareness
Jacob Blankenship, U.S. Marine veteran, United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) Camp Pendleton program graduate and member of Plumbers, Pipefitters and Service Technicians Local 776, Lima, Ohio, organized a 68-mile ruck for veteran suicide awareness. Blankenship was a Field Radio Operator with the 2nd Battalion 1st Marines. After he
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Locals 619 and 669 serve food to displaced residents in the wake of a devastating tornado
On March 24, 2023, a devastating EF4 tornado ripped through the town of Rolling Fork, Miss., destroying everything in its path. The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale is used to assign a tornado a rating based on estimated wind speeds and related damage. The scale only goes to EF5. The tornado
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Local 9 apprentice carries his UA Brother to safety
On April 20, 2023, at 5:45 a.m., Anthony Spinella, a 22-year member of Plumbers Local 24, Lodi, NJ, was driving down the New Jersey Turnpike in his work truck, towing a sewer jetter while heading to a service job in Jersey City, when he felt a big thud. The next
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Couple saves a man’s life during the Buffalo Blizzard
Over the Christmas weekend, the Buffalo region, which is no stranger to snow, was hit with prolonged whiteout conditions and freezing temperatures that contributed to dozens of fatalities. Sha’Kyra Aughtry and her boyfriend, Trent Alls, Jr., who is a third-year apprentice with Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 22, saved a man
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Local 412 members install plumbing training facility at Navajo Technical University
The Navajo Nation’s first dedicated plumbing training program was launched this past fall after the completion of a new plumbing classroom and wet lab at the Navajo Technical University (NTU) Kirtland Instructional Site in Kirtland, N.M. The new facility offers a three-semester, 34-credit plumbing certificate program. The International Water, Sanitation
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Local 440 sends 600 care packages to deployed troops
Since 2013, Plumbers, Steamfitters and HVACR Service Technicians Local 440, Indianapolis, has spearheaded an event called, “Fill the Foxhole.” This event was created by Ralph “Boomer” and Alice Culver, with a mission to ship care packages to deployed troops during the holiday season. When Boomer was a Local 440 instructor,
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Local 286 member demonstrates union craftsmanship through community service
Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 286, Austin, Texas, member Frank Goodwin attends Northlake Church in Lago Vista, Texas. On Nov. 6, 2022, members of the Northlake Church went out into the community to do various forms of charity work they called, “The Big Event.” “The Big Event” is an annual, one-day
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Project HEAT’S ON – UA members provide free furnace repairs
Project HEAT’S ON (Handicapped and Elderly Assistance To Service Our Neighbors) is a program developed in Minnesota in 1986, where professional union pipefitters and contractors volunteer to provide free furnace and heating inspections for elderly, disabled and low-income homeowners in the Twin Cities metro area, Rochester and St. Cloud. Over
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Local 488 hosts fundraisers for the Canada-Ukraine Foundation
Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 488, Edmonton, Alberta hosted two successful fundraisers in support of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. The funds donated went toward helping people in Ukraine and the Ukrainians who have arrived in Canada seeking refuge. On May 14, 2022, Local 488 and the Retired Members Association (RMA) hosted a
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Local 562 guides injured Brother to a new career in BIM
On Aug. 23, 2019, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562, St. Louis, member Sam Jacobson was in a life-altering car accident. Jacobson suffered a major spinal cord injury before he was supposed to begin his third year in the Local 562 apprenticeship. Local 562 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer John O’Mara knew Sam was
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The Heart of the UA Lives in Every Member
The “Heart of the UA” lives in every member who believes union membership opportunities belong to everyone – regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender. For 132 years, the UA has endured tragedies, sacrifices and extreme challenges, and yet, it has been the heart and soul of its membership
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UA Members rebuild Waverly in wake of devastating flood
On Aug. 21, 2021, residents of Waverly, Tenn. experienced a devastating flood that damaged homes, roads, cell phone towers, businesses and crucial infrastructure. A record-breaking 17 inches of rain fell in less than 24 hours, leaving piles of debris all over the small town and taking the lives of 22
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Minnesota UA Leaders Grill Steaks for National Guard Soldiers
Sprinkler Fitters Local 417 Minneapolis Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer Trinidad Uribe, III and International Representative Tom McCarthy at a Serving Our Troops Cookout. Sprinkler Fitters Local 417 Minneapolis Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer Trinidad Uribe, III and International Representative Tom McCarthy have been volunteers since 2018. Uribe and McCarthy have volunteered for multiple
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Local 281 Retrofits Fire Sprinkler System at Mission of Our Lady of the Angels
Pictured at the dedication ceremony is Local 281 Business Manager Tom Collins with representatives from the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels and the Chicago Fire Department. On December 1, 1958, tragedy occurred at Our Lady of the Angels School when it caught fire, killing 92 children and
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Local 400 Builds Mobile Wash Stations for the Navajo Nation
Pictured from left to right are Local 400 Business Manager Trevor Martin, Local 400 Welding Coordinator Matt Stoop, IAPMO Director Randy Lorge, Local 400 Welding Instructor Jeremy Meyers, and Local 400 Assistant Business Manager Doug Dokey. The International Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH) is collaborating with DigDeep, Plumbers
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Utilizing Skills Learned as a Child to Help During the Pandemic
Julio Reinoso working hard creating masks. At the beginning of March, during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Enterprise Association of Steamfitters Local 638, New York City and Long Island, NY, member Julio Reinoso was working in Brooklyn. The city subsequently shut down the job at the end of the month, as
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UA Reaches out to Local Community to Aid Those Affected from Hurricane Harvey
Members from the United Association step up in order to help countless victims that were affected by the hurricane. https://youtu.be/Yq-zNKfxmxM
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UA Plumbers Help Bring Water to the Navajo Nation
UA Locals 78, 400, 412, and 469, and IWSH (International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation) accepted this community plumbing challenge from DIGDEEP to help bring water to the Navajo Nation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SY5RhpYUwk&feature=youtu.be
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Members of Plumbers Local 15 Give Back to One of Their Own
Pictured form left to right are Keith Swaggert, Pete Truhlar, Carl Krohn, and Ben Sackett Plumbers Local 15, Minneapolis, MN, members Keith Swaggert, Pete Truhlar, Carl Krohn, Ben Sackett and Local 15 Business Agent Tom Pahkala volunteered to brave the sweltering heat on July 18, 2019, to give back to
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Local 68 Member Honored with Conservation Stewardship Award
The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) has honored Plumbers Local 68, Houston, TX, member Glen Kirkham with the UA Conservation Steward of the Year Award for his commitment to conservation and community service. The award recognizes volunteers from each of the USA’s charter unions who have made exceptional contributions to the
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Local 98 Reaches Out to Frontline Workers
Plumbers Local 98, Detroit, along with Detroit Piping Group, purchased 70 Lefty’s Cheesesteak sandwiches for frontline emergency room workers at the Main Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. It was a great boost for the employees, who are doing an amazingly difficult task in battling COVID-19. Local 98 Business Manager Carlo
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Local 484 Delivers Food to 205 Needy Families
On Memorial Day 2020, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 484 Ventura, CA, along with the California Labor Federation, the Central Coast Labor Council and Ventura County Food Share, handed out 323 boxes of food to 205 families to help feed approximately 900 people in their community.
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Local 464, Omaha, Helps Fight COVID
Steamfitters and Plumbers Local 464, Omaha, NE, was to get 250 gallons of hand sanitizer donated to the Industry. The Nebraska Ethanol Board has partnered with the University of Nebraska College of Engineering and, so far, has produced over 30,000 gallons that has all been donated to people throughout Nebraska.
Leadership Team
The leadership team of elected officers is responsible for the daily business of the United Association and for securing the financial, political and organizational health of the union.
