Business Details
13 Years
experience
Expert Plumbing & Pipefitting Services in Lubbock, TX
UA Local 404 represents the region's most skilled pipefitters, welders, plumbers, and HVAC-R technicians, combining over a century of collective experience with modern training excellence. Since our charter in 2013, we have upheld rigorous standards through a registered apprenticeship program that develops industry-leading professionals capable of handling complex projects across energy, industrial, commercial, medical, and residential sectors. Our members benefit from comprehensive safety protocols, continuous skill development through journeyman upgrade courses, and robust protections via Collective Bargaining Agreements that guarantee fair wages, full-family health insurance, and retirement benefits.We maintain strong partnerships with signatory contractors who prioritize quality labor and safe working environments, ensuring taxpayer investments in public projects remain within local communities. Through advocacy on critical issues like prevailing wage laws and workers' compensation, we protect both our members and the integrity of the piping industry. Our jurisdiction spans west Texas, where we deliver reliable solutions for infrastructure modernization, including critical water systems upgrades. With a proven track record of zero strikes, we foster collaborative relationships that advance both worker welfare and project success.
Services
Pipefitting
Welding
Plumbing
HVAC-R Services
Apprenticeship Training
Journeyman Upgrades
Medical Gas Systems
CFC Certification
Backflow Certification
OSHA Training
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- Over 100 years of combined experience in piping industry representation
- Rigorous apprenticeship and upgrade training programs accredited by JATC
- Fair wages and benefits secured through comprehensive Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Proven safety compliance with OSHA-certified work environments
- Advocacy leadership on critical industry issues affecting Texas workers
Services
Pipefitting
Our certified pipefitters install and maintain complex piping systems across industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. From energy pipelines to hospital infrastructure, we ensure precise fabrication and safe installation of high-pressure systems. With ongoing upgrade training, our members handle specialized materials and configurations required for modern construction projects.
Welding
UA Local 404 welders perform precision metal joining for structural and industrial applications. Certified in multiple techniques including stick, MIG, and TIG welding, our members create durable connections for piping supports and infrastructure components. Regular recertification ensures compliance with evolving safety and quality standards.
Plumbing
Our licensed plumbers handle potable water systems, sanitary drainage, and non-potable water networks. From residential installations to large-scale commercial projects, we maintain strict safety protocols while ensuring efficient water distribution and waste removal systems that meet current building codes and environmental regulations.
HVAC-R Services
Certified HVAC-R technicians install and service heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Our members work on both residential and commercial systems, maintaining optimal indoor environments while adhering to energy efficiency standards and safety requirements for mechanical infrastructure.
Apprenticeship Training
Our five-year JATC apprenticeship program combines on-site training with classroom instruction. Apprentices earn while they learn, receiving OSHA certifications and math skills training alongside hands-on experience under journeymen supervision. Graduates achieve journeyman status with full industry credentials and benefits.
People
Joe Apel
JATC Program Coordinator
Joe Apel oversees Local 404's apprenticeship and journeyman training programs. With extensive industry experience, he manages curriculum development and coordinates educational resources across multiple west Texas locations to maintain workforce excellence.
Israel Reyna
Membership Coordinator
Israel Reyna handles membership inquiries and recruitment for experienced piping industry professionals. He provides guidance on union benefits and facilitates the transition process for journeymen seeking to join Local 404's ranks.
Randy Caldwell
President
President Randy Caldwell leads Local 404's strategic initiatives and represents members in labor negotiations. With deep industry knowledge, he ensures the union maintains high standards for wages, benefits, and working conditions across all signatory contractor operations.
James Sanders
Vice President
Vice President James Sanders supports union operations and member advocacy efforts. He works closely with contractors to implement safety protocols and training requirements while upholding the collective bargaining agreement's provisions.
Angel Benavides
Sergeant-at-Arms
Angel Benavides serves as Sergeant-at-Arms while also contributing to training programs. His dual role involves maintaining order during union activities and sharing expertise through instructional sessions at multiple training locations.
Questions
How do I become a member of Local 404?
Experienced piping industry professionals can join by contacting Israel Reyna at 806-777-1402. Members receive fair wages, health insurance, and retirement benefits through our Collective Bargaining Agreement with signatory contractors.
What training programs are available?
We offer a five-year apprenticeship program plus journeyman upgrade courses in plumbing, pipefitting, welding, and HVAC-R. All programs include safety certifications and ongoing skill development opportunities.
What benefits do members receive?
Members earn competitive wages, full-family health insurance, 401k plans, and pension benefits through the United Association National Pension Benefit Plan while working on safe, union-approved job sites.
What areas does Local 404 serve?
Our jurisdiction covers west Texas, including Lubbock, Amarillo, and Wichita Falls regions. We work on both public infrastructure projects and private commercial/residential developments.
How does Local 404 ensure workplace safety?
We require all signatory contractors to follow strict safety guidelines and maintain OSHA certifications. Regular training updates ensure members stay current with evolving safety standards and practices.
What are Project Labor Agreements?
PLAs guarantee the use of qualified union labor on public projects. These agreements ensure fair wages, local hiring, and safety compliance while protecting taxpayer investments through predictable project costs.
