About The Southwest Pipe Trades Association

The Southwest Pipe Trades Association (SWPTA) represents the highly skilled and highly trained tradesmen and tradeswomen of the plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC-R, welding and sprinkler fitting industries and their contractors in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

Established in 1914, the SWPTA was chartered to bring together pipe trades industry employers and the United Association union members. Together, both groups work to promote and advance the industry by increasing market share, recruiting new members and supporting issues important to the industry.

The SWPTA strongly advocates for a number of issues, including So-Called “Right to Work,” Prevailing Wage, Workers’ Compensation and the misclassification of workers. The organization also promotes the use of fire sprinkler tax incentive, the importance of investing in water infrastructure and helping to ensure the safe production of energy.

The contractors affiliated with the SWPTA are also members of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA). Besides the national organization, there are also state MCAA groups, such as the MCA of Texas. These organizations work to advance the specific interests of mechanical contractors on a nationwide or state basis.

The affiliated unions of the SWPTA represent a highly skilled and highly trained workforce. In one of the most dangerous regions for pipe trades professionals, the SWPTA ensures there is someone looking out for them, their families and their best interests.