Looking to Join UA Local 104?
Are you a licensed Plumbing, Pipefitting, or Refrigeration Journeyperson in Massachusetts?
Have you accumulated hours under a Massachusetts Plumbing, Pipefitting, or HVAC Apprenticeship license?
If you're interested in becoming a member of UA Local 104, complete our Career Profile using the link below to begin the process.
What Is Organizing?
Organizing is the process of workers coming together to improve their wages, benefits, working conditions, and overall quality of life. By joining together, employees have a stronger voice in the workplace and can negotiate collectively for fair treatment, safe working conditions, and competitive compensation.
Whether you are an individual looking to advance your career or a group of coworkers interested in learning more about union representation, Local 104 is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Why Join Local 104?
For more than a century, the United Association has been committed to developing the most highly skilled plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC/R, and welding professionals in the industry. Local 104 members enjoy the benefits of belonging to an organization that invests in its people through training, representation, and career development.
As a member of Local 104, you gain access to:
- Competitive wages negotiated through collective bargaining
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Defined pension and retirement benefits
- Industry-leading apprenticeship and continuing education programs
- State-of-the-art training facilities
- Safer working conditions
- Jobsite representation and professional advocacy
- Opportunities for career advancement and specialized certifications
- A strong network of skilled tradespeople committed to excellence
Your Rights
Federal law protects your right to organize.
The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) gives most private-sector employees the right to:
- Form, join, or assist a labor union.
- Discuss wages, benefits, and working conditions with coworkers.
- Participate in union organizing activities.
- Bargain collectively through representatives of their choosing.
- Engage in protected concerted activity without retaliation.
Employers may not legally retaliate against employees for exercising these rights.
Employer Conduct During Organizing
While employers are free to share their opinions about unions, federal law prohibits them from interfering with employees' protected rights.
Examples of unlawful employer conduct include:
- Threatening employees for supporting a union.
- Promising raises or special benefits to discourage union support.
- Disciplining, firing, or discriminating against employees because of union activity.
- Asking employees how they intend to vote in a union election.
- Conducting surveillance or creating the impression that union activity is being monitored.
- Coercing employees into opposing union representation.
If you believe your rights have been violated, Local 104 can help you understand your options and connect you with the appropriate resources.
The Value of Union Membership
For generations, unions have helped workers secure many workplace standards that are common today, including:
- The eight-hour workday
- The five-day workweek
- Overtime pay
- Employer-sponsored health insurance
- Pension and retirement benefits
- Family and medical leave protections
- Workplace safety standards
- Apprenticeship and skilled trades training
- Fair treatment and equal opportunity in the workplace
Through collective bargaining, union members work together to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions that reflect the value of their skills and craftsmanship.
Start Your Career With Local 104
Whether you're an experienced journeyperson, a licensed apprentice, or simply interested in learning more about organizing your workplace, we'd be happy to speak with you.
Complete the Local 104 Career Profile today and a member of our organizing team will contact you to discuss your opportunities with UA Local 104.
