Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 342

06/12/2026

What a contest! Three days of competition, countless hours of hard work, and an incredible display of craftsmanship.

Congratulations once again to all the competitors for a job well done. You should be proud!

We are especially proud of our very own Apprentices who competed this year, Brother Wyatt Bunting (Welding) and Brother Johan Fuchs (HVAC/R). Brother Wyatt earned second place in the Welding Competition, showcasing our Training Program’s high standards of performance and excellence. You have represented our Local with pride!

We are excited to continue to cheer on our HVAC/R first place winner, Brother Johan Fuchs! His exceptional performance not only reflects all of his the preparation and dedication, but it also earns him the opportunity to compete at the UA National Apprentice Contest, which will be held in August at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Let’s get it!

A huge thank you to all the contestants, judges, proctors, staff, sponsors, vendors, and supporters who helped make this event a success. The dedication, skill and professionalism displayed throughout the completion was unmatched.


Plumbers:
1st Place Winner: Cooper Gunter, Local 32 Seattle, Washington
Runner Up: Zuriel Martinez, Local 442 Stockton, California

Welders:
1st Place Winner: Thomas Cuthbertson, Local 469 Phoenix, Arizona
Runner Up: Wyatt Bunting, Local 342 Oakland, California

HVAC/R:
1st Place Winner: Johan Fuchs, Local 342 Oakland, California
Runner Up: William Gustafson, Local 367 Anchorage, Alaska

Pipefitters:
1st Place Winner: Nathaniel Hanan, Local 598 Pasco, Washington
Runner Up: Jesse Rogers, Local 343 Vallejo, California

Sprinkler Fitters:
1st Place Winner: Edgar Varela, Local 669 Colorado
Runner Up: Kyler Jensen, Local 669 Utah

06/11/2026

Day 3 of the UA District 5 Regional Apprentice Contest ✅ The tools are down, the competition is complete, and the scoring is underway. Now we wait. Stay tuned for the results. Best of luck to all the contestants!

06/11/2026

Reminder: The June Monthly Membership Meeting has been canceled and the next meeting will be held on July 9, 2026.

06/10/2026

Day 2 of the UA District 5 Regional Apprentice Contest is in the books ✅ The weather was hot today, but the contestants didn’t let the heat slow them down. Incredible effort all around and we can’t wait to see what the final day of the contest brings tomorrow!

06/09/2026

Day 1 down and plenty more excitement ahead for the UA District 5 Regional Apprentice Contest. The contestants came ready to compete with their talent, determination, and energy on display. Let’s keep the momentum going into Day 2 tomorrow!

06/09/2026

It’s a beautiful first day at the UA District 5 Regional Apprentice Contest at UA Local 342 in Concord, CA.

Shoutout to our very own HAVC/R Apprentice Johan Fuchs and Welding Apprentice Wyatt Bunting, who are proudly representing UA Local 342 in the contest this year. Best of luck to all the contestants and stay tuned for more updates!

06/08/2026

Dear UA Local 342 Member:

I’m reaching out to you today because our wages and benefits are under attack.

Legislation sponsored by the Carpenters union, AB 1751, has been introduced in Sacramento that will undermine prevailing wage by establishing a $28.00 minimum wage for residential construction with No Health Care, Pension or Overtime!

This is a naked attempt to drive down wages in our market so the Carpenters can organize and steal our work!

We MUST stand up and Fight! Below is a link to the Save Our Wages No On AB 1751 website.

With one click you can have your voice heard by sending an email to Legislators registering your opposition.

It takes less than two minutes. Please take the time to fight this attack on our wages.
https://www.stopab1751.com/

Together we are strong.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Ché Timmons
Business Manager

AB 1751 would pay the skilled workers who build California's homes a flat $28 an hour, roughly half of today's wage, and take away their health insurance, pension, and training. Workers need real protections, not a bill that strips away their security.

05/25/2026

Today and every day, we remember and honor those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Thank you to all those who have served!

05/22/2026

There is about one week left to apply for this year’s Apprenticeship Application! Please visit www.ua342.org and head to our Training section to access the application. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2026.

05/18/2026

There were over 200 Delegates at the 104th California State Pipe Trades Convention and we were well represented with 19 of our very own in San Francisco, CA last week. Between the Training Seminar and General Sessions, the Convention was a space for connection and was filled with continued learning, important updates, and valuable conversations. Thank you to everyone who represented UA Local 342 with professionalism and pride!