U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao addressed members of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada Aug. 8 at its general convention in Las Vegas. She noted the commitment of the UA to provide training and education to their members, for helping to rebuild the Gulf Coast after last year's hurricanes, and for joining with DOL to keep workplaces drug-free.

In addition, the UA elected William P. Hite as general president, Patrick R. Perno as general secretary-treasurer, and Stephen F. Kelly as assistant general president. Vice presidents elected were: Kenneth Aurecchia (District 1); Kenneth J. Broadbent (District 2); Richard L. Oliver (District 3); Sid Stopler (District 4); James T. Sullivan (District 5); and John Telford (District 6).