About the Minnesota Pipe Trades Association
The Minnesota Pipe Trades Association is an umbrella organization made up of 11 Local Unions located throughout the State of Minnesota. These affiliated Unions represent approximately 9000 men and women working in all areas of the plumbing, pipefitting, mechanical and fire protection industry, including residential, commercial, and institutional facilities.
Our work also involves the building and maintenance of coal, natural gas and nuclear power plants, oil refineries, renewable fuel facilities, research and bioscience projects, hospitals, sports stadiums, water treatment facilities and more. The members of the Minnesota Pipe Trades Association work hard every day to ensure that safe, high quality projects are delivered on time and on budget.
The industries in which our members work are constantly evolving, and training is a top priority for the affiliates of the Minnesota Pipe Trades Association and our Contracting Partners. Collectively, nearly $5M is spent annually on apprentice and journey worker upgrade trainings.
The first Local Union in Minnesota was chartered by the United Association in 1898. The State Association was chartered in 1921. At one point in time, there were 17 Local Unions in Minnesota. The United Association continuously analyzes Local Unions in order to ensure members are serviced effectively and efficiently. This analysis led to a number of mergers, resulting in the current make-up.
The affiliates of the Minnesota Pipe Trades Association and our Contracting Partners hold two annual events, Water’s Off and Heat’s On, benefitting the communities in which we live and work. Each spring, hundreds of Plumbers and Gasfitters join with community action groups and donate time and material fixing plumbing deficiencies for low income, elderly and disabled Minnesotans (Water’s Off).
In the fall, Pipefitters and Service Technicians volunteer to clean, inspect and service hundreds of appliances for low-income, elderly and disabled Minnesotans (Heat’s On). Since 1986, Heat’s On has serviced more than 7400 homes, donated 32,000 hours of service, at an estimated value of more than $3.4 Million.