From September 8–12, 2025, Local 153 members and apprentices in the Pierce County Roofers Apprenticeship Program joined thousands nationwide in recognizing Suicide Prevention in Construction Week. On September 8, crews paused for a nationwide stand-down and moment of silence to honor the lives lost to suicide in the construction industry.

The week highlighted the union’s ongoing commitment to protecting members’ well-being. In the days leading up to the stand-down, training agents welcomed Business Manager Richard and Training Director Racheal into their shops, opening conversations about mental health, encouraging members to reach out for support, and reminding everyone to check in on their peers. Banners, pledge drives, and toolbox talks reinforced the message that mental health is just as vital to jobsite safety as hardhats and harnesses.

Wayne’s Roofing in Sumner, WA—one of many shops that participated—brought this message to life. On the morning of September 8, apprentices and journeyworkers gathered shoulder to shoulder for a moment of silence. Together, they honored colleagues lost to suicide while reaffirming their responsibility to look after one another. The scene captured a powerful image of unity and care—the very culture that Local 153 and the Pierce County Roofers Apprenticeship Program strive to foster every day.

Local 153’s participation serves as a reminder that true safety is more than equipment and procedures—it is also about safeguarding mental health, standing in solidarity, and building a community that ensures no one faces struggles alone.