UA Local 137 was chartered on January 1, 1895, originally representing journeymen plumbers, gas fitters, steamfitters, and steamfitter helpers.

On June 1, 1968, Local 137 merged with Local 116 of Jacksonville, Illinois, forming the foundation of our current jurisdiction. This merger established coverage across Sangamon, Logan and Menard counties in their entirety; portions of Mason County south of State Route 136, including the town of Havana; and areas of Macoupin and Montgomery counties north of State Route 108 and north and west of State Route 127. This jurisdiction also includes the towns of Hillsboro, Schram City, Ohlman and Carlinville. In addition, Local 137 represents Christian, Pike, Scott, Morgan and Cass counties in their entirety.

On February 1, 2013, Local 137 merged with Decatur Local 65, further expanding our geographic jurisdiction to include Macon, Moultrie, Shelby, and DeWitt counties, as well as portions of Piatt County, including areas of Monticello.