Local Union 137

Today, we're proud to celebrate all the hardworking and amazing moms, mother figures and grandmas in our union family 💐 Thank you for everything you do on the job and at home! Wishing you a day filled with the people and things you love.

We're celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month in May.

Did you know: Nearly half of construction workers report experiencing depression at some point in their lives, and about 1 in 3 experience anxiety at least monthly (according to The Center for Construction Research and Training). These numbers are a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical safety on the job.

At Local 137, we’re committed to supporting our members — on and off the jobsite. Check in on your brothers and sisters, and don’t hesitate to reach out when you need support. You’re not alone.

🎉 Congratulations to the Local 137 recipients of the Michael E. Shampine Memorial Scholarship:

Benjamin Wubker | $1,000
Halle Wardrip | $500
Abbey Kupish | $500

Wishing you all the best as you continue your education and build your futures!

It's National Apprenticeship Week! Why not skip the college debt and start your career with Local 137?

✅ High-paying careers with annual raises
✅ Healthcare coverage and retirement plans
✅ Hands-on, earn-while-you-learn training
✅ Job placement and lifelong job security

A better future is waiting! Learn more and apply today 👉 https://loom.ly/NXf1vEo

🚨 MEETING REMINDER 🚨

The April union meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. tonight (4/23). See you soon!

In the construction industry, stress comes with the territory. Tight deadlines, long days, physical wear and tear, jobsite pressure and time away from home — it adds up fast.

During Stress Awareness Month (and year-round), we want Local 137 members to know: talking about stress, anxiety, burnout or other mental health challenges doesn’t make you weak. It helps you stay steady and keep showing up at your best—on the job and at home.

If things feel off, you don’t have to carry it alone. Support is available:

🟡 Optum EAP: 24/7 support for personal crises, relationships, finances, substance use and more. Call 855-205-9185 or visit liveandworkwell.com.
🚨 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 any time for free, confidential help.

🚨 MEETING REMINDER 🚨

Don't forget: Our union meeting is coming up this Thursday, April 23. See you then!

🔥 Keep your welding skills sharp with open welding from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 18! THIS IS A MEMBERS-ONLY OPPORTUNITY.

The Decatur JATC will have open welding on the third Saturday of every month. We have a limited number of welding booths available, so please call Chris Moss at 217-544-2724 to reserve your spot.

Throw a wrench into your future with a career in the trades! 🔧

At Local 137, our debt-free training gets you paid while you gain real skills.

✅ Free continuing education & license prep
✅ Hands-on mentorship from pros
✅ Job security & a career that lasts

No debt. Just opportunity. Learn more 👉 https://www.ua137.org/training-center/the-program/getting-started.html

🚀 It’s National Careers in Trades Week!

At IPTA, we’re always all-in on promoting the benefits of a career in the union pipe trades. We represent 21 local unions and more than 30,000 skilled professionals across Illinois and parts of Iowa and Indiana — and we know the impact of these careers on individuals and communities.

Our approach to training is what sets us apart. IPTA locals invest more than $40 million every year into apprenticeship programs and continuing education, so our members are always learning and staying ahead of the industry.

Bottom line: this isn’t just a job — it’s a career with real skills, solid pay and long-term opportunity.

🔗 Learn more about our standard of excellence 👉 https://illinoispipetrades.com/
🔗 Learn more about Careers in Trades Week 👉 https://nationalcareersintradesweek.com/

With our NEW website, it's never been easier to connect with the best contractors in our area! ✨

Local 137 is proud to partner with more than 30 signatory contractors serving residential, commercial, institutional and industrial markets — from new construction to maintenance and service work.

Through our continued collaboration with the Central Illinois Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA), we’re strengthening opportunities for our members and delivering top-quality work in the communities we serve.

Looking for a qualified union contractor? Start here 👉 https://loom.ly/V3a7F5Y