Partner Spotlight: The United Association (UA)
The United Association (UA), representing approximately 388,000 skilled trades workers across the U.S. and Canada, is one of the most respected construction unions in North America, with over 300 local unions and strong ties to national labor coalitions like the AFL-CIO and NABTU. Within the UA, the Veterans in Piping (VIP) program plays a key role in preparing active-duty service members for civilian careers while also serving as a national innovation hub for peer-based mental health and suicide prevention initiatives that are now influencing broader union culture.
The United Association has emerged as a national trailblazer in construction worker well-being through its groundbreaking Veterans in Piping (VIP) program and the visionary leadership of Mike Hazard and Nicole Jeup.
UA VIP Team Takes Action
Sparked by a tragic suicide in 2015, the UA VIP team took bold action, transforming a moment of grief into a movement for change. They launched a robust Member Assistance Program (MAP) rooted in peer allyship, trauma-informed training, and hope-filled culture change.
The success of VIP MAP garnered attention from others within this massive and highly respected union. Backed by the support of UA General President Mark McManus and champions like Safety, Health and Environmental Administrator Jennifer Massey, the UA created a first-of-its-kind advisory board called “Pipe PALS (Peer Allies for Life Success). The Pipe PALS initiative is focused on creating a culture of support and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health in the skilled trades. By promoting mental health literacy, offering peer support, and driving systemic change, Pipe PALS empowers members to seek help and support each other.
The UA Pipe PALS mission is to build a network of peer allies and equip them with tools and resources to accomplish two primary goals: To aid in saving the lives of those who are at risk of suicide and to improve the lives of those struggling with mental health or addiction issues. Today, it is clear that the UA is not only leading within its own ranks, but it's also helping lift the entire industry.
The result?
Two 20-hour training courses on peer allyship and mental health literacy are now scaled across multiple U.S. and Canadian regions.
Hundreds of Peer Allies and Mental Health Champions are trained and embedded in UA Locals.
Over1,600 UA members trained in VitalCog in Construction (brief community helper training for suicide prevention).
Nearly 100 VitalCog in Construction Trainers are currently working to reach more than 3,000 UA members with life-saving knowledge and skills.
Private Facebook Community: To build a sense of unity and shared goals, Pipe PALS has established a private Facebook group for course participants. This platform enables members to collaborate, exchange resources, and support one another.
Resource Development and Sharing: The advisory committee is actively engaged in creating and curating resources to assist peer allies. These resources include best practices, toolkits, and educational materials that can be utilized at the local level.
Recognition and Story Sharing: A key component of the Pipe PALS initiative is honoring mental health champions within the UA and sharing their stories to motivate others. Members are invited to share their own experiences or highlight the contributions of others to mental health in their communities.
As presenting sponsor of the Construction Working Minds Summit for many years, the UA continues to bring dozens of members each year to share success stories, break down barriers, and build a community of care.
To the UA: Thank you for walking the walk -- you’re shaping a culture grounded in courage, compassion, and connection.
