Membership

Welcome to the Membership Information section of the UA Local 137 website. Here, you can find information pertaining to union membership and commonly asked questions. New information will be added often, so check back to see what updates have taken place.

Everyday, decisions are made in Washington, DC, which affect the lives of working people. New bills are continually introduced before Congress that can have a major impact on important workplace issues and many more of our most basic rights as employees. The halls of the Capitol are filled with lobbyists and representatives of big business eager to put forth their views on the latest legislation. But do you ever wonder who is there to speak on behalf of the majority of Americans? Who protects the interests of average working people? The truth is that the only consistent voices to be raised on behalf of workers throughout history have been the voices of members of the organized labor movement.

A long time ago, mankind learned that by teaming up with others, he could tackle any task with greater success. Thus, villages and towns were formed — together, men could provide a safer and more stable life for themselves and their families. The principle of trade unionism is much the same. A Union, a group of dedicated men and women striving toward the same goals, provides security and dignity for all members. The voices of many are louder than the voice of an individual. The United Association speaks for its members, working to achieve job security, health and welfare benefits, a living wage, a safe working environment, and a comfortable pension. When you join a union, you are joining a democracy. Each member has the opportunity to voice his concerns and suggestions, working for a better life for all.

The United Association and its local unions work to provide members a fair wage and safe working conditions, process grievances, and protect members from unjust and injurious competition. All local unions have training facilities, health and welfare plans, and pension plans. The United Association provides training for both apprentices and journeymen, making UA craftsmen the very best. Journeymen may take advantage of training sessions which provide up-to-date technology necessary to United Association members so that they can be kept abreast of innovations and changes in the industry, thereby insuring that their skills are current and in demand. If you are working in any industry allied to the plumbing and pipefitting trade it is important to your future to become a members of the United Association. Join with the thousands of craftsmen who have united build a secure, prosperous future for themselves and their families.

The answer is as close as a phone call to your union office. Member volunteers are encouraged to assist in organizing efforts but you need to be working in sync with your union leadership to reach success. Organizing works only when we all make a concerted effort to bring new people into our trader and educate them on the benefits of being a part of the United Association. In the period between 1990-1995, over 13,000 new members were organized into the United Association. During this time, there were nearly 1,100 shops organized and over 6,200 jobs, which generated a dollar volume in excess of $565 million in wages and fringes gained. Organizing keeps the UA healthy and it works. Get involved in your local’s organizing efforts today!