Business Details
Southern California Pipe Trades District Council - Advocating for Piping Industry Professionals
Southern California Pipe Trades District Council has represented 13 local unions across Southern California since its founding, advocating for job security, fair wages, and comprehensive benefits for pipe trades professionals. Our organization prioritizes member welfare through health and pension programs, safe working conditions, and robust training initiatives. As part of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, we uphold a legacy of excellence spanning over a century. Our team of dedicated professionals ensures members receive unparalleled support through collective bargaining, jurisdictional oversight, and career development resources. With jurisdiction covering San Luis Obispo, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego, we serve as a unified voice for over 384,000 skilled pipe tradesmen.Our partnership with the California Plumbing and Mechanical Contracting Association enhances training and networking opportunities for both labor and management. Through our rigorous five-year apprenticeship program, we cultivate industry leaders with expertise in plumbing, pipefitting, sprinkler systems, and HVACR. Our commitment to transparency and member empowerment ensures long-term career growth and industry innovation. We maintain strict compliance with union contracts, providing insurance, pension benefits, and health and welfare protections for all members. Our leadership team combines decades of experience in labor relations, industrial projects, and organizational development to advance the piping industry's standards.
Services
Union Representation
Apprenticeship Programs
Journeyman Training
Jurisdictional Oversight
Contractor Resources
Career Development
Health Benefits Administration
Pension Program Management
Local Union Support
HVACR Training
Highlights and features
- We represent 13 local unions with jurisdiction spanning seven Southern California counties.
- Our members receive comprehensive health, pension, and welfare benefits through union contracts.
- We offer a nationally recognized five-year apprenticeship program with classroom and on-the-job training.
- Our partnership with the United Association ensures access to industry-leading resources and expertise.
- We provide ongoing journeyman upgrade training to maintain high professional standards.
Services
Union Representation
We provide comprehensive union representation for pipe trades professionals across Southern California. Our services include contract negotiation, workplace safety advocacy, and dispute resolution. Members receive legal support and protection through collective bargaining agreements with employers.
Apprenticeship Programs
Our five-year apprenticeship program combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Participants learn plumbing, pipefitting, sprinkler systems, and HVACR techniques. Graduates earn journeyman status with access to union job opportunities and benefits.
Journeyman Upgrade Training
We offer mandatory 16-hour training programs for journeymen through the A&J Training Trust. Courses maintain industry certifications and enhance technical skills. Training ensures compliance with current piping industry standards and safety regulations.
Health Benefits Administration
We manage health and welfare benefits for union members and their families. Services include medical, dental, and vision insurance plans. Our team processes claims and provides guidance on benefit utilization through the SCPTAC Trust Fund.
Contractor Resources
We provide contractors with project registration tools and compliance resources. Our website facilitates separation notices and transfer documentation. Contractors receive guidance on union agreements and workforce management.
People
Rodney Cobos
Business Manager/Financial Secretary
Rodney Cobos leads District Council 16's operations, overseeing union contracts and member benefits. With decades of experience in labor relations, he ensures fair wages and safe working conditions for pipe trades professionals across Southern California.
Jerry Trevino
Director of HVACR
Jerry Trevino directs HVACR training programs and industry partnerships. He specializes in developing apprenticeship curricula and ensuring compliance with technical standards for heating, ventilation, and refrigeration systems.
Doug Wilson
Director of Plumbing Services
Doug Wilson oversees plumbing trade standards and training initiatives. He works with local unions to maintain high skill levels among journeymen and apprentices while advancing industry best practices in plumbing systems.
John Ferruccio
Director of Organizing
John Ferruccio manages union organizing efforts across Southern California. He supports local organizers in workplace representation and member recruitment, ensuring growth and strength in the pipe trades industry.
Jerry Elliott
Director of Jurisdiction
Jerry Elliott enforces jurisdictional boundaries and resolves territorial disputes between local unions. He ensures proper assignment of projects and maintains order in the distribution of pipe trades work across the region.
Questions
What does District Council 16 do?
We represent 13 local pipe trades unions in Southern California, advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and comprehensive benefits through collective bargaining and training programs.
How can I join a local union?
Contact your nearest local union office to inquire about apprenticeship programs. Requirements include a high school diploma, physical capability, and passing a basic math test.
What training programs do you offer?
We provide a five-year apprenticeship with classroom instruction and on-the-job training, plus mandatory journeyman upgrade courses through the A&J Training Trust.
How do contractors work with your organization?
Contractors can register projects and file notices through our dedicated website. Contact District Council 16 to create an account and learn about union partnership requirements.
What benefits do members receive?
Members receive health insurance, pension plans, vacation benefits, and job security protections through union contracts with signatory contractors across Southern California.
