WASHINGTON, D.C. — The International Code Council, a source of model codes, standards, and building safety solutions, and United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA) signed an agreement that underscores both organizations’ commitment to the trades workers in the plumbing and mechanical fuel gas (PMG) industries.
The UA represents approximately 384,000 plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, HVACR service technicians, welders, and pipeliners working in the construction industry throughout North America.
The agreement underscores the Code Council’s commitment to supporting skilled trades and producing more well-rounded PMG-related codes, standards, and industry publications, a press release from the Code Council said. The Code Council and the UA will continue to work together to help train the next generation of plumbers, pipefitters, and mechanical contractors, the press release said.
Under the agreement, both organizations will advocate for improved plumbing infrastructure that supports public health, the press release said.
“This collaborative effort reflects the Code Council’s deep understanding of the critical role skilled labor plays in shaping safe, sustainable, and resilient communities,” said John Belcik, the Code Council’s CEO. “It’s a testament to our shared mission — to elevate codes and standards, uphold safety, and foster a thriving labor force that reflects the future of our industry.”
“The men and women of the United Association are the best-trained and most highly skilled craftspeople in the world, and we are proud to work each day to protect the health of our nations,” said Mark McManus, the UA general president. “Our partnership with the Code Council will ensure that we continue this important work, keeping our communities safe and upholding the highest codes and standards. We are thrilled to enter into this agreement and to ensure that the voices of the men and women performing this work are well-represented in the codes and standards that govern our industry.”