One of the most important decisions you will ever make will be whether or not to become a member of a United Association Local Union. Before you can make this decision, there are many questions which must be answered, and misconceptions to be cleared up. Much of this section is designed for you, the worker seeking to make a well informed decision concerning your future.

United Association members are often asked about the union, its structure and benefits. We have created this section to answer some of the most frequently-asked questions; we're sure you will find the information you need here.

Why Consider Joining A Union?

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.

What Type Of Work Is Performed By United Association Members?

United Association members work in a variety of settings from bungalows to power stations, doing new construction and maintenance, air conditioning, heating, refrigeration and plumbing service work.

They install and service fire sprinkler systems, perform marine pipefitting, gas fitting, pipe fabrication and assembly, lead burning, manufacturing of mechanical parts and equipment, air and water balance, pneumatic and electric control work, startup of all mechanical equipment, quality control and non-destructive testing on all types of jobs or products, appliance service and repair, inplant operation of mechanical systems, servicing utility plants and systems.

As a United Association member, you may be working at your job on single family residences, apartments, commercial establishments, office buildings, hospitals, airports, shipyards, fabrication shops, shopping centers, offshore oil rigs, manufacturing plants, refineries, power houses, pipelines, utility plants and systems and/or any other site where work of the United Association is being performed.

Who Hires United Association Members To Do This Work?

United Association members are employed by plumbing and mechanical contractors, fire sprinkler contractors, plumbing, heating, refrigeration and air conditioning service companies, utility contractors, shipbuilders (private and federal sector) building and plant owners, utility companies, quality control contractors, control companies, instrumentation companies, air and water balance companies, chain stores, food processing companies, paper mills, power plants, hospitals, school systems, universities and colleges, federal, state and local governments, manufacturing companies, recreational centers (such as Disney World), fabricating shops, refineries, casinos, electric power companies. In short, the United Association represented workers are a vital part of virtually every industry in the United States of America and Canada.

How do I join the UA?

If you're someone already in the field and want to become a United Association member, please fill out our Journeyman form.

If you're fresh out of school, the military or think this is the career path for you, please fill out our Apprentice form.