The SWPTA is committed to promoting the pipe trades industry in a variety of ways, including initiatives deemed important to the industry and labor trades in general. Monitoring legislative activity in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico is part of this effort, and when necessary, the SWPTA will take the lead in advocacy efforts on behalf of all affiliated contractors and Local Unions. Local Unions in the Southwest Pipe Trades Association regularly endorse and meet with elected officials that support organized labor.
Below you will find pertinent information about labor-friendly legislation, endorsements of labor-friendly candidates and more. The SWPTA encourages affiliated members to contact their representatives about initiatives that will advance the labor movement. We are
Signatory contractors and Brothers and Sisters of UA Local 142 and Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 286 are encouraged to fill out Davis Bacon Wage Surveys when the comment period opens in 2023. The surveys will be used to calculate the Prevailing Wage for construction workers on federal and federally assisted projects over $2,000. The Davis-Bacon
Southwest Pipe Trades Association (SWPTA) Political Director Ron Lord appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about the importance of supporting union-friendly politicians who support pro-labor issues like Prevailing Wage and the right to organize, regardless of their party affiliation. Members of the SWPTA span both political parties, and their interests deserve
The following candidates have been endorsed by the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 412. We strongly urge our Local 412 and UA members in New Mexico to support the candidates who support the issues important to our industry, organized labor and our livelihood. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Lt Governor Howie Morales CD1
Oklahoma state representatives and senators presented Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 344 Business Manager Gary Cartwright with a Bipartisan/Bicameral Citation for his service to the Local and his commitment to the community. Cartwright spent 24 years on the tools before Business Manager Darren Jones appointed him Local 344 business agent. When Jones became a UA International
House Bill 636 will be heard on March 10 during the committee of Licensing and Administrative Procedures. If approved, the bill will allow the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) to continue providing the valuable services related to reviewing applications and granting plumbing licenses. In 2019, Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order extending
The president and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have issued a Coronavirus Guidance for America, identifying plumbers and other tradespeople as “essential critical infrastructure workers” as the nation responds to the threat of COVID-19.
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