About Local 1

Plumbers Local 1 was chartered into the United Association on December 1, 1889. The history of the Plumbers in New York City actually dates back to the early 1850's. Since that time, Plumbers Local 1 has evolved from Locals 1, 2, 371, and 463. The final merger to our current union took place in 1997. For over 150 years, we’ve been protecting the health of New York City through vigorous apprentice and journeyman training.

Our signatory contractors employ Local 1 members in many different construction and service applications. We work in the industrial, commercial and residential sectors of the construction industry.

Our workforce takes pride in partnering with our signatory contractors in providing sophisticated piping systems to the end user.  From underground installations to final connections of fixtures and equipment, a plumber is required to have all the physical and mental skills needed to get the job done right the first time.

Our journeymen and apprentices are among the best trained in the world. Continuing education classes are offered on a regular basis to our journeymen to keep them updated on changes and trends in the plumbing industry.

Our members are required to graduate from the United Association (UA) certified and accredited Joint Apprenticeship Training Program which produces the best journeymen in the industry.  This 5-year apprenticeship program requires an apprentice to have over 10,000 hours of on-the-job training as well as over 1,070 hours of classroom education from certified instructors.  This means that you have the most qualified workforce at your disposal.

No matter how big or small the project, we promise a highly skilled workforce committed to ensure the customer a job that is on-time and on-budget.

We do it right the first time, so when business in the five bureaus of New York City need to build new or expand existing facilities, they can count on the members of Local 1.  There are numerous examples of our participation in developing our communities. We have experience and are currently building and servicing in many areas such as:

• Yankee Stadium and Citi Field
• Hospitals, both Public and Private
• Airports, both expansion and renovation
• Bio Research Labs
• Chemical Processing Plants
• Educational Institutions, both Public and Private
• Food and Beverage Processing Facilities
• Hotels
• Military Installations
• Power Plants
• Processing Facilities
• Residential Homes and Developments
• Strip Malls
• Water and Waste Treatment Facilities

Local 1 is extremely proud to be a productive member of the New York City community.  Our union has helped pave the way in the Helmets to Hardhats program, where service men and women who are honorably discharged gain direct entry into our apprenticeship program.  Local 1 is represented on the Board of Directors of the Edward J. Molloy Construction Skills Initiative and Non Traditional Employment for Women (NEW).  NYC vocational students and Housing Authority residents are taken into a pre-apprenticeship program and upon completion, gain entry into our apprenticeship program.