[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8927]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING UNITED ASSOCIATION LOCAL 342

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2014

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues, 
Congressman George Miller, Congressman Mike Thompson, and Congressman 
Eric Swalwell to honor the United Association (UA2 Local Union 342, 
which is celebrating its 100 anniversary. For 100 years, UA Local 342 
has trained and represented qualified journeymen and apprentices in the 
trades of plumbing, pipefitting and heating, ventilation, air 
conditioning and refrigerating (HVACR) across Alameda and Contra Costa 
Counties in Northern California.
  Chartered on May 1, 1914, UA Local 342 started with just over 21 
members, working tirelessly in support of the rights of workers in the 
pipe trades industries. Today, they represent over 3,200 members. Over 
the years, Local 342 has been essential in leading various projects and 
ongoing maintenance of regional infrastructure including at four 
refineries, two chemical plants, and ten cogeneration plants in Alameda 
and Contra Costa Counties. In addition, their work has positively 
impacted major hospitals in the area, including Sutter Hospital, 
Highland Hospital, and Kaiser Hospital in both Oakland and San Leandro.
  United Association Local 342 promotes a high standard of excellence, 
focusing on worker safety and providing rigorous training for each 
union member. The apprenticeship program has been recognized at the 
national level for its quality training. Many apprentices have competed 
and won in state, regional and national level competitions.
  Moreover, UA Local 342 is dedicated to supporting and giving back to 
their community. Among the many donations to local high schools and 
community colleges, Local 342 members also participate in local food 
drives at Alameda and Contra Costa County Food Banks. In addition, 
members of Local 342 have volunteered their services to improve 
Shepherd's Gate, a safe haven for abused women, by installing plumbing 
in their facility.
  We commend the United Association Local 342 for leading the charge in 
the fight for worker's rights. In addition, we applaud the men and 
women of Local 342 for their dedication to preparing and training their 
membership for the advancements in technology and the challenges of 
today's expanding and diverse industry.
  On behalf of the residents of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, we 
congratulate the United Association Local 342 on this important 
milestone and thank you for the invaluable service you provide to our 
community. We wish you all the best as you forge ahead toward another 
100 years of protecting the rights of workers.

                          ____________________