Union Members To Express Thanks To Military And Vow To Support Veteran Training Programs
Annapolis, MD (PRWEB) July 27, 2016 -- American and Canadian military men and women serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts of the world will be offered heartfelt thanks and appreciation during a convention of more than 3,000 delegates of the United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters, Sprinkler Fitters, Welders and HVACR Technicians (UA) in San Diego, CA, August 1-5, 2016.
In addition, the delegates are expected to pledge their support of the UA’s nationally recognized Veterans in Piping® (UA VIP®) program, as well as the Helmets to Hardhats program of the AFL-CIO.
The expression of gratitude and support will come in the form of resolutions at the 39th convention of this major building trades union. One resolution states, in part: “Resolved, that the Delegates to the 39th Convention express their profound appreciation and gratitude for the American and Canadian personnel serving these countries in many troubled areas of the world; and be it further resolved, that the Delegates of the United Association express their gratitude to the American and Canadian military personnel serving in other parts of the world, because they also have a critical role in the continuing battle against aggression, extremism and terrorism.”
The UA VIP program has been recognized by the Military Officers Association of America as the model for all veteran training programs. The program has been in place since 2008 and now operates on eight bases across the United States for every branch of the military. The resolution in support of the program states, in part: “Whereas, once they graduate from the UA VIP Program and complete their military service, these veterans are placed in jobs with signatory employers and enter into UA local union apprenticeship programs to continue their careers in the plumbing and pipefitting industry; and whereas, by the end of 2015, the UA VIP Program had helped over one thousand veterans transition from military service to rewarding civilian careers in the unionized plumbing and pipefitting trades.”
The UA’s General President Bill Hite has said of the program, “It’s the right thing to do.”
About the United Association
Founded in 1889, the United Association of Union Plumbers, Pipefitters, Sprinkler Fitters, Welders and HVACR Technicians (UA) is a multi-craft union whose members are engaged in the fabrication, installation and servicing of piping systems. There are over 410,000 members affiliated with the UA throughout North America, Australia, and Ireland, including over 340,000 UA members belonging to more than 300 local unions in the United States and Canada. The theme of the UA’s 39th General Convention is Built on Excellence.
***Media instructions: Any media wishing to cover the convention, which will be held at the San Diego Convention Center August 1-5, 2016, should contact Rick Terven, 410-269-2000. After August 1, media should contact Genie Ford, 703-298-7664, onsite contact during the convention.
Rick Terven, United Association, http://ua.org, +1 (703) 298-7664, [email protected]
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