UA Local 527

About UA Local 527

UA Local 527 is a multi-craft union located in the Argyle neighbourhood of London, Ontario, serving the plumbing and pipe fitting industry. The organization represents members who are engaged in the fabrication, installation, and servicing of piping systems. As part of the United Association (UA), which consists of over 300 individual local unions across North America, this local provides a framework for highly-skilled tradespeople to work on various projects. The organization emphasizes comprehensive training and career development for those in the piping trades. It offers a variety of programs, including five-year apprenticeship programs, extensive journeyman training, organized instructor training, and various certification programs. The UA describes its commitment to training as unsurpassed among trade unions worldwide, noting that it invests significant resources to ensure members are prepared for rapid technological advancements in the construction industry. The history of the broader United Association dates back to 1889, beginning with a letter between plumbers in Boston and Washington, D.C. regarding the formation of a "United Brotherhood." Over the following century, the union established landmark accomplishments such as the formal five-year apprenticeship program and the clearance card system, which allows journeymen to travel to jobs in different localities. The organization has historically been involved in large-scale projects, including industrial plants, public utilities, and military construction.