Derrick Kualapai

The United Association supports Local 393 and encourages our investments in organizing and our Campaign for a Secure Future. We have strong representation from our International Representative, Derrick Kualapai, from UA Local 342, who represents California and Hawaii. He advocates for us at the regional, state, and federal level, fighting to protect our work and gain market share. We are pleased to share a message from Brother Kualapai.

Dear UA Local 393 Members:

Our piping industry in California remains strong despite the current nationwide COVID-19 outbreak. It is important to note that though we have 37,800 members in the state, we never surpassed the 10% unemployment mark. With only 23 reported COVID cases among our ranks to date, I am pleased to report no deaths have occurred. 

What does the future of the pipe trades look like in California, then? I can confidently tell you it looks very bright. Being classified as essential workers has certainly been a plus for our trade. However, we must continue to be diligent to ensure that our members are safe on job sites. We are looking forward to continued prosperity despite this global pandemic.

One of the UA’s biggest areas to expand our work is on the residential side. For over a year and a half, I have been negotiating a statewide residential agreement for all California UA locals (26 total). These negotiations involve the UA, the State Building and Construction Trades Council, the non-union developer groups, and the governor’s office. The plan is to fulfill Governor Newsom’s mandate of three million new residential dwellings by first working towards a price point that is palatable for all, and second, working with the legislature to deliver a bill which gives California Environmental Quality Act relief (CEQA) to developers. Senate Bill 995, introduced by Toni Atkins, will be that bill. 

SB 995 is an extension of AB 900, which gave CEQA relief to developers who have built five new stadiums in California in recent years. This new bill will serve as a blueprint for housing development, but with a twist. If a developer wants to take advantage of SB 995, then they must use a skilled and trained workforce. Hence, their contractors and entire workforce must become signatory and join the union! 

Currently we control 10% of the residential market share statewide. What is most significant about this agreement and this bill is that we have the potential of delivering 100%. The UA does not have 100% market share in any sector of our trade. I want to make California’s residential market share the first to be 100%, and 393 members will be a part of that.

Fraternally,

Derrick Kualapai
UA International Representative 
California & Hawaii