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After thirty years – starting in Local 393’s Steamfitter Apprenticeship, and ending in his third term as an elected business representative – Wayd La Pearle has a new role in the construction trades: Executive Manager for Santa Clara Valley Contractors’ Association (SCVCA) and the South Bay Piping Industry Labor/Management Trust. 

“The fact that SCVCA has hired a manager who has a labor background demonstrates an enormous amount of trust and cooperation between Local 393 and the contractors,” said Wayd. “Together, contractors and the work force really are working to achieve the same goals: increase our market share and deliver professional and experienced construction in the plumbing, mechanical, and service industry. I’ll be working hard to build on that formula for success.

“I’m in a unique position to utilize my experience working over the years for 393’s union contractors, and being a health & welfare/pension trustee, JATC member, and various elected positions including business agent,” said Wayd.

“My very early experience began as a welder. Before my apprenticeship, I worked for non-union mechanical contractors on government defense projects, in the oil fields, and on off-shore oil rigs. Back then, I was really excited about the work and learning a trade, but I had no structured training or benefits. In 1988, my brother Todd started his plumbing apprenticeship in Local 393, and that was the kick in the pants for me to apply. I was accepted and began my apprenticeship in 1989. 

“It was an exciting time during the rise of the semi-conductor industry and process piping. It was easy for me to see that apprenticeship training, combined with working for union contractors who provided real benefits, could create a better future for me. I’m proud of my work in the field and my small part of helping to lay the foundation for Silicon Valley.

“I was fortunate to work with a lot of conscientious members who supervised those big jobs. Many of them were also 393’s Training Center instructors. Some of them are still teaching and continue to care and teach along with the newest generation of instructors. These individuals are living examples of the cycle of learning within a union apprenticeship and journeyman training program.

“The brother and sisterhood of Local 393 is very special and includes accepting responsibility. Our contractors are looking for 393 members to take your skills to the next level, become supervisors, and mentor the next generation of skilled craftsmen and women. 

“I strongly encourage everyone to utilize Local 393’s journeyman training program, participate in the Campaign for a Secure Future and community service events, and attend your monthly union meetings so you can be an informed and responsible union member.

“In my new role, I will expand on the message that 393’s union contractors are the best because we have the best trained workers, and we will work together to continue to create success for each other. We lift our entire community up by supporting our local economy and creating career opportunities for new generations.

“Looking to the future, my priorities are going to be the same as they have been for the last 30 years:

• Promote and expand work opportunities for signatory contractors and union members
• Organize new signatory contractors and workers into the union
• Maintain and expand high quality apprenticeship and journeyman training programs
• Monitor compliance for apprenticeship standards and prevailing wages
• Ensure our health and welfare and pension plans are sustainable
• Support elected leaders and policies that advance the interests of working families and the construction trades
• Engage in community service to enrich Santa Clara and San Benito Counties

“I’m proud to still be a Local 393 member and to continue my working career promoting our local contractors and the membership of Local 393. You’ll continue to see me at City Hall fighting for union construction as well as being out in the community right alongside members.”

If you want to reach Wayd, he’ll be based at the SCVCA instead of the Union Hall, and he’ll always be part of Local 393’s growing family. We look forward to his ongoing partnership.

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