The United Association dates back to the year 1889. Since then, no other organization has served the training needs of the piping industry like the United Association. For over a century, the UA has been training the most highly-qualified workers in the United States and Canada. Over the past several decades, the United Association's training programs have produced a stable, skilled workforce responsible for building and maintaining piping systems in the various industrial and residential facilities that make up the North American landscape. For more information about the United Association's past and present history of quality,  visit the United Association site at: http://www.ua.org/.

The United Association has put together a comprehensive COVID-19 Resource Center which is available online by clicking on COVID-19 Resource Center banner at www.ua.org . You can also reach the resource center directly at: COVID-19-Resource-Center-Page. We will provide updates on this site as information becomes available.

Fraternally,

Mark McManus

United Association

General President

Letter from Business Manager David Pelletier

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

In these uncertain times, I wanted to reach out to you about the situation around novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Protecting the health and safety of our members and their families is of the utmost importance to us.

Effective Monday March 16^th the JATC has suspended all classes for 3 weeks. This action is precautionary and at this time we have no indication of anyone having come to school that is affected by the COVID-19 virus. We recently received word from the UA office that officers and staff at the UA will be working remotely with reduced staff on site. The UA has cancelled a number of meetings and events including the UA Apprentice Completion for 2020. The UA has recommended all locals suspend union meetings, conferences, conventions and apprentice school for the months of March, April and May. At this point in time we are canceling the April meeting and will reassess concerning the May meeting. We will monitor the situation and make a decision on future school cancelations as the time comes.

We have been in contact with our contractors and they are all taking precautions to keep everyone healthy. Remember if you are sick or have any symptoms it is in everyone’s best interest for you to stay home.

In light of the recent developments, I would encourage you to add the following link to your web browser’s bookmarks: www.cpwr.com/covid-19. You will find additional links with more information on COVID-19 from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), OSHA and NIOSH. The CDC recommends some everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases including influenza and COVID-19.

• Frequently wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60% -95% alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue when sneezing or coughing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever or cough.
• Don’t shake hands when greeting others.
• Stay at home if you are sick.
• Seek early medical help if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, and share your travel history with healthcare providers.

  Following these preventive actions outlined by the CDC, as well as limiting your exposure to sick individuals, will help safeguard your health and the health of your family.

Lastly I wanted to make everyone aware that the Governor has signed an emergency order to allow anyone who has to miss work either through a layoff, COVID-19 quarantine or to care for a sick family member the ability to collect unemployment. The order also waives the waiting week for wages. The employment security office is encouraging people to file online or by phone.

We will continue to staff the office, however we ask that you limit your trips to the hall and utilize the on-line dues payment portal, the outside drop box or US mail for dues payments.  Receipts will be returned through the mail.

Fraternally,

David Pelletier

Business Manager

UA Local 131