January 2009 Vol. 64 No. 1
General
Phenomenal Year for PLCA
The Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA) experienced a “phenomenal” year in 2008, said association President Robert Johnston (pictured).
PLCA member contractors have benefited from extremely heavy workloads on pipeline construction projects which have reached levels unprecedented in the industry’s history.
“On behalf of the industry and our members, PLCA is pleased to report that by the end of the year, contracts had been negotiated with the four international unions representing the four crafts of employees involved in pipeline construction.”
Those unions are the Laborers International Union of North America, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters and the International Union of Operating Engineers.
Negotiating and administering union contracts are primary responsibilities of the PLCA.
Notable
Other accomplishments in 2008 cited by Johnston are improvements to the association’s scholarship program increasing the number of students being assisted in attending university level courses leading to a bachelor’s degree, reactivation of the association’s safety committee and scheduling regular safety meetings, and publication of a member newsletter.
PLCA has produced training videos covering all aspects of pipeline construction, from site preparation, laying pipe, tie ins and surface restoration. All are available to association members.
A major challenge facing the pipeline industry is finding sufficient skilled labor to complete available work and future projects, and this is expected to be a vital and continuing concern for the association and its members.
“The nation’s economy faced many challenges as the year came to a close,” concluded Johnston, “but even so, the pipeline industry is healthy, and we go into the new year with many projects under construction and more on the books. Everybody needs energy. We expect 2009, 2010 and 2011 to be good years.”
Johnston is a vice president and division manager of Henkels & McCoy Inc., one of the country’s largest privately owned engineering and contracting companies which specializes in pipeline, gas distribution, electrical power and communications construction. Johnston’s term as PLCA president ends in February 2009.
Established in 1948, the PLCA is headquartered in Dallas. J. Patrick Tielborg is managing director and general counsel.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Pipe Line Contractors Association, (214) 969-2700, www.plca.org
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