Our History
The Michigan Pipe Trades Association was chartered in 1912. Currently consisting of 14 United Association Charter Local Unions, with over 250 Signatory/Partner Employers and 12,000 skilled tradesmen and women working in the piping industry. There are 12 Training Facilities statewide with at least one in each of Michigan’s major cities. These facilities are set up to train apprentices and Journeymen alike. The skills and certifications received through the training programs broaden the market for Contractors to employ the most qualified, productive workforce in the HVAC/R Service, Plumbing, Sprinklerfitting, Pipefitting, and Welding Industries.
Our mission today is different than 30-40 years ago. We have turned our focus to the wisdom of our Founding Fathers. They had a strong belief in Organizing new members and New Contractors into the ranks of this great Organization. Believing that every skilled trade worker in the piping industry deserves to be represented, able to support their family with the skills they possess and the work performed. Our officers and representatives are tradesmen just like you who have worked in the trenches and participated in the training offered to the membership.
Union Benefits
Click on the benefit to learn more.
Contract
Having a union contract in place establishes consistent practices and procedures across all divisions, regions and offices within the company. All managers and supervisors of unionized employees are required to follow the contract, which typically contains strict instructions for company procedures such as wages, hours and working conditions. The contract typically also regulates overtime, callback work and on-call pay, preventing any inconsistency in the application and payment of these activities by the employer.
Better Wages
According to data gathered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), full-time workers represented by a union earn substantially higher salaries than full-time workers who are not unionized.
Conditions
Labor unions play a vital role in providing reasonable working conditions for their members. All too often, however, a non-union employee does not enjoy the same advantages and misses out on the benefits of having a say in working conditions.
Healthcare
Union workers are more likely than their nonunion counterparts to be covered by good quality health insurance, and to receive pension benefits and paid sick leave, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics 94 percent of union workers were covered by health insurance through their jobs, compared with only 45 percent of nonunion workers.
A Voice at Work
While agreements are in place any changes made to wages, benefits, and working conditions are negotiated between employer and members.
Dignity
The respect and honor associated with a voice at work
Safety
Union workers are often better trained on health and safety rules and union workplaces are more likely to enforce the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
Dispute Resolution
The union contract provides employees with an avenue to resolve and enforce disputes over terms and conditions of employment. The contract typically includes a grievance procedure, allowing the union to contest a management decision deemed to be in violation of the contract. If the grievance cannot be resolved within the company, a neutral external arbitrator can make a decision over the issues. The contract protects employees who might otherwise be unable to fight to protect their own interests.
Retirement/Pension or 401(k)
Unionized employees are much more likely to have defined benefit retirement plans than nonunion employees.
Benefits for the Employer
Collective bargaining also provide benefits for the employer. A multiyear contract allows for budget predictability and stability. It also provides labor peace and restricts the workforce from strikes and work interruptions during the term of the contract.
