April 2017 Vol. 72 No. 4
Features
PLCAC Works To Promote Industry
The Pipe Line Contractors Association of Canada (PLCAC) and its members generally had a good, solid year in 2016, believes the association’s President Neil K. Waugh.
The PLCAC represents pipeline contractor members in labor relations with the four craft unions (whose members are involved in pipeline construction); conducts training courses to develop Canadian workers in pipeline construction skills; and is actively involved in occupational safety and health legislation affecting the industry, and pipeline standards and codes.
“There are significant challenges from negative connotations about the building of pipelines, much of it based on false information,” Waugh said. “Pipelines are important to the nation’s economy and we have stepped up efforts to emphasize the positive elements of our industry.”
At the end of November 2016, the PLCAC leadership team, in conjunction with the industry’s union partners – collectively the Canadian Pipeline Advisory Council (CPAC) – met with members of Parliament, senators and other government officials in Ottawa.
Waugh reported that 62 in-office briefings of small groups of CPAC partners were held with 28 Conservative members of parliament (MPs) and senators, 35 Liberal MPs and policy officials, six NPD MPs, and three Independent senators.
“Teams,” Waugh said, “were very positively received and officials were appreciative of the information that was shared, especially since many officials reported that they were getting questions about pipelines from constituents that they had never heard from before. A specially prepared ‘leave behind’ package was left with each official for future reference.”
Admin duties
A primary responsibility of PLCAC is administering 12 collective agreements, with work performed by members of the association in Canada with the Laborers International Union of North America, the International Union of Operating Engineers, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada.
In addition, officers of the association serve as members of the Canadian Pipeline Advisory Council, a co-operative joint labor/management group which oversees issues that affect the pipeline construction industry as a whole. The Council also has responsibility for managing the Pipeline Industry Grievance Panel which is available to settle disputes that arise from time to time between the parties.
PLCAC’s Leadership Training Program offers specific training to contractor members. The “Pipeline Construction: Foundations of Leadership Program” consists of four courses offered in two sessions (winter and fall). The most recent program successfully graduated 45 leaders.
PLCAC also administers a student awards program which works to assist students on their post-secondary education. The awards are allocated in the fall of each year to a son or daughter of parents or guardians who derive their principal income from pipeline construction. In 2016, the PLCAC executive recognized 30 students, bringing the total number of students assisted by this program to 240 since it was established in 1974.
Currently, the PLCAC consists of 41 regular contractor members, 94 associate supplier members and 19 honorary members (individuals who have performed distinguished service to the pipeline industry).
Waugh is senior vice president of operations for NPL Canada.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Pipeline Contractors Association of Canada,
(905) 847-9383, pipeline.ca
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