About Local 32

Plumbers & Pipefitters of Seattle

United Association Local 32 is a 110 year old Labor Organization who's only function is to improve the lives of pipe trades workers. That's right. We are Organized Labor.

Officers and members of Local 32, circa August 1900.

Originally started to bring decent wages and working conditions to a trade which had neither, Local 32 has also brought many other benefits over the years. Benefits such as training opportunities, medical and retirement plans not to mention dignity, respect and an equal seat at the table of our industry are all proof that when pipe trades workers pull together, we have a positive impact on our industry.

Our Members

Our members are career professionals who take their trade seriously. To them, this is not just transitory part time work. That is why we would challenge anyone in the unorganized sector of this industry to match us in skill, productivity, craftsmanship and downright ingenuity. When there is a tough job to do, the folks that know call our contractors because they know we will get the job done right the first time.

Another equally important part of who we are, is that we are an organization run by and for pipe trades workers. Our leadership comes from the folks who have had their hands on the tools. The elected officers and staff of Local 32 are tradesmen and tradeswomen first.

Organizing Structure

United Association Local 32-Seattle was chartered by our parent Organization, The United Association of Journeyman and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA) in August of 1889. With over 400 UA Locals in the United States and Canada, this organizations locals represent over 300,000 pipe trades workers. Workers just like you. The members of the UA are the best paid and most skilled workers in the construction industry.

The Future of Local 32

At Local 32, we believe that the security of our future in the pipe trades lies in 3 areas:

• Training – Our industry is constantly changing and we have to keep up with the latest technologies. Some of the systems and methods that are being used today cannot be done by just a little on the job training. We have to keep our skills honed and meet every new method head on. Learn more about training opportunities.
• Organizing – Democracy in the work place is a good thing. When people are allowed to have their say, it challenges them to be their best, because they then have a vested interest in their jobs. Organized workers set standards for the industry by working to set standard's which allow workers to become more that transient workers, that is, professionals. Organizing pipe trades workers is good for the workers, good for the bosses and good for the industry. Learn more about organizing.
• Political Action – There are people out there that believe that working folks in this country have made too many gains. Learn more about political action.