Sprinkler Fitters Local 281- Chicago Illinois

Welcome

At the United Association of Sprinkler Fitters, Local 281, we're responsible for protecting businesses, schools, homes, and, more importantly, precious lives, from the devastation of fire. It's no wonder we take our jobs so seriously.

Too many cut corners by not installing reliable automatic sprinkler systems. In the event of a fire, these shortcuts can lead to immeasurable damage. Statistics show that buildings with proper fire protection systems suffer twenty-four percent less damage and fire loss than unsprinklered properties.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 1983 to 1987, damage from hotel fires was seventy-eight percent less in building with sprinkler systems than those without. What's more, the water damage from automatic sprinkler systems is considerably less than from a fire department's hose stream because sprinkler systems require a minimal amount of water to operate. Oftentimes, a fire is brought under control by only three sprinkler heads, sometimes even fewer.

With so much riding on the skills of our Sprinkler Fitters, it is critical that our journeymen receive the best training available. In addition to a rigorous apprenticeship program, many UA Sprinkler Fitters choose to expand their skills by voluntarily participating in advanced training programs. Some even go on to become instructors through the United Association International Instructor Training Program.

The members of Sprinkler Fitters Local 281 are committed to providing quality installation, service and repair to the piping and fixtures used in sprinkler systems. They know that when human lives are at stake, there is no room for error and there might not be a second chance to get it done right. That's why the Sprinkler Fitters of Local 281 do the job right, the first time, every time.

Top News

Help Get our Local Back to Work NEW [2/8/2010] - Dear Brothers and Sisters, At our last union meeting Thursday, February 4, 2010 I talked about the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act and once again it has been sponsored by the U.S. Congress H.R. 1194 and the U.S. Senate S 2949. Illinois has two (2) Senators and nineteen (19) Representatives. As of this writing neither of the Senators are on board, and only seven (7) of the Representatives. I have written Senator Durbin informing him of the urgency and necessity of this bill in regards to job stimulation for Illinois and the country. The letter is included. Please use it for a sample letter to modify and use as your own letter to send to your representatives and Senators Burris and Durbin. This act still remains our best bet to stimulate work in our local and every local in the United States. This bill has the potential to put many people back to work in our industry and many other industries, as well. Please take the time to contact your representatives and senators. The link provided will assist you in finding your local lawmakers. Fraternally, John Zubricks Business Manager link

Chicago Alderman's Resolution NEW [2/8/2010] - U.S. Congress H.R. 1194 and U.S. Senate S. 2947 more

Letter to Senator Durbin NEW [2/8/2010] - Please modify this letter and use it to send to your representatives and senators. more

SIS Pension Participant Mailing and Link to Withdrawal Application NEW [1/26/2010] - Due to the major economic downturn the Trustees of the SIS Pension Plan have allowed for amendments to the withdrawal procedures of the Plan. more

Employment Opportunities Available [12/28/2009] - Be a part of the 2010 Census Team. Positions available now for census takers, crew leaders, crew leader assistants, recruiting assistants and census clerks. link

2010 William A. Lee Memorial Scholarship [12/2/2009] - The Chicago Federation of Labor is currently accepting application requests for 2010 scholarship awards. more

CISCO is now accepting applications for the 2010 Scholarship Program [12/1/2009] - If you have any questions or require any assistance please call Edward Maher at the CISCO office at (630) 472-9411 or email Ed@cisco.org. Applications are available via the website of www.cisco.org. link

Making Homeownership Affordable [11/12/2009] - We have learned of federal programs that have been designed to assist homeowners who are struggling with their mortgage payments. There are two programs that have been set up by the federal government. The first one was created to assist people who have homes that are now worth less than what is owed on the mortgage. The second program is to modify mortgage loans for people who are experiencing a significant loss of income. This may apply to individuals who are unemployed, individuals whose spouse is unemployed, or individuals who have had their hours or pay reduced. These programs were brought to our attention by unemployed members that were able to qualify to have their monthly mortgage payments reduced. The following is a link to a website for the Making Home Affordable program. This website explains the programs that are available. It also explains the criteria that must be met to qualify for the programs. You may also speak to a housing counselor from the Making Home Affordable program by telephone at (888) 995-4673. I hope that members of Local 281, U.A. and their families find this information useful. link

SIS Fund Changes Investment Managers [11/12/2009] - The SIS Pension Fund has changed investment managers from Wells Fargo to New York Life. Participants can now view account information online. link

SIS Fund Transition Information [11/12/2009]

Changes for early retirement effective January 1, 2010. [10/13/2009] - One of the most significant changes is that the reduction for early retirement will be double to 2% per year for all members that are under the age of 61. Please read the attached membership letter for the complete details. link

Founders Bank Information [7/3/2009] - Sprinkler Fitters Local 281, U.A. has been in contact with the transition team from The Private Bank. The Private Bank will be sending a letter to all account holders sometime early next week. They have assured Local 281 that the monies are secure. Local 281 will be in close contact with The Private Bank throughout the entire transitional period. more

Overtime Provision Invoked [12/4/2008] - As of Decemeber 3, 2008 all overtime must be approved by Sprinkler Fitters Local 281, U.A. link