Pipe Fitters Local Union 211 - Houston, TX

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day from the UA General Officers!

02/04/2026

Today, Pipefitters Local 211 stood alongside other Trade Unions to speak on an issue that directly impacts our members and our industry.

We made a decision to stand with Governor Greg Abbott rooted in one thing only: what’s best for our craft and the working families we represent.

Local 211 is not driven by party politics. We are driven by what strengthens the piping industry.

Our members come from different backgrounds, hold different views, and vote different ways, but they all share the same priorities: safe jobsites, strong training programs, fair wages, and a future in the skilled trades.

When an elected official, regardless of party, is willing to support workforce development, licensing, safety standards, and respect for our trade, we are willing to work with them.

We know not everyone will agree, and that’s okay.
Healthy dialogue and honest disagreement are part of a strong labor movement.

Pipefitters Local 211 will always stand with our members on the job, in the classroom, and at the table where decisions are made.

01/23/2026

Please join us in congratulating our Brother David Guttowsky on his well-earned retirement after an outstanding career in the UA and Pipefitters Local 211.

Brother David began his probationary apprenticeship in August of 1980 and was officially initiated into Local 211 on January 9, 1981. He became a Journeyman Pipefitter in the summer of 1984. During his apprenticeship, he placed 3rd in the Top 10 Contest in both his 2nd and 4th years and even bypassed the breakout test in his 4th year — proof of the work ethic and craftsmanship that defined his career.

In 1983, during his 3rd year of apprenticeship, David went to work for Coastal Mechanical, which later became part of The Warren Company, then Gowan, and is now EMCOR Gowan/Garrett. Prior to that, he also worked with Carpenters Construction, Algernon Blair, Sam P. Wallace, and Emde.

Brother David dedicated just under 42½ years with Gowan and more than 45 years as a proud member of Local 211. His loyalty to the trade, the contractor, and the Brotherhood is something every apprentice and journeyman can look up to.
As he closes this chapter, David looks forward to spending more time with his family, traveling, and enjoying plenty of fishing and golfing.

Congratulations on an incredible career, Brother. Thank you for your service to the trade and to Local 211 — once a Pipefitter, always a Pipefitter! 👏⚒️

01/22/2026

Skilled Trades Referral Program:
We're giving back to the community while helping our Contractors find skilled manpower. This program offers $200 in store credit, $200 employee referral bonus at participating locations, and $200 for new members - made possible by local businesses stepping up to support the trades.

The employees at FRC Locker (Texas City), SnakeBelly (Deer Park), FR Depot (Deer Park), and Munro's Safety (Deer Park) will be helping spread the word and referring skilled tradespeople. Special thanks to Bryan Edwards for helping create this program and giving back to the community. Please support these local businesses that support our trades.

Pictures below.

01/15/2026

3 Journeyman Welders were recruited by Local 211. Best of luck to you all on your career!

01/13/2026

REMINDER: Union Meeting Tonight! Be there! 6:00pm.

01/09/2026

Congratulations to the graduates of our FIRST Pre-Apprenticeship Class at the Harlingen Training Center!
This one-week pilot program was a great success and showcased an outstanding group of students now entering our apprenticeship program. Their effort, focus, and drive confirmed what we already knew—Harlingen is ready for growth.
Because of this success, we’re excited to expand this into a 3-week Pre-Apprenticeship program coming soon. This is just the beginning, and the future looks strong.
Proud of this group and proud of what’s ahead. 💪🔧

01/08/2026

We regret to inform the membership that Brother Linton S. Cowart Jr went to be with the Lord on 12/24/2025. He was 87 years old. His Obituary is posted below. Please keep the family in your thoughts & prayers.

View Linton S. Cowart's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/05/2026

We regret to inform the membership that Brother John A. Spence went to be with the Lord on 12/20/2025. He was 76 years old. His Obituary has not yet been posted. Please keep the family in your thoughts & prayers.

01/05/2026

We regret to inform the membership that Brother Earl D. Vicars went to be with the Lord on 11/20/2025. He was 88 years old. His Obituary is posted below. Please keep the family in your thoughts & prayers.

View Earl Dean Vicars's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year 211 Family!

As we welcome a new year, we’re proud to also celebrate 77 years since our charter. For 77 years, Pipefitters Local 211 has stood strong in solidarity, protecting our jurisdiction, raising standards, and building a legacy of skilled, Union labor that generations before us fought hard to secure.

We honor the members who came before us, the retirees who built this local with their hands and hearts, and the brothers and sisters who continue that work every day on the jobsite.

Here’s to another year of unity, organizing, and growth stronger together, now and always!

12/25/2025

From the Officers and Staff of Pipefitters Local 211, Merry Christmas. May your homes be filled with peace, joy, and gratitude.🎄