PLCA Meets in Arizona

The Pipeline Contractors Association (PLCA) held its 62nd annual convention at the Hyatt Regency at Gainey Ranch, Feb. 17-21 in Scottsdale, Ariz. At 650 attendees, this was the largest convention since the mid-1980s. There were numerous past presidents and honorary members at the convention.

PLCA 2009 president Don Thorn, Welded Construction, chaired the meeting. He reported in a general business session that pipeline work in 2009 totaled $750 billion, which was 80 percent of 2008. United Association man hours were 9 million in 2009, which was 78 percent of 2008. Interestingly, Thorn commented that in 1969, pipeliners were told to “look for other work because pipeline construction was done.” Going forward as pipeline work continues to be solid, Thorn said that pipeline contractors need to continue to meet agreed upon schedules, complete the work within budget, do quality work, and safety must be a core value.

2010 is a significant year in labor relations for PLCA as all four national labor agreements expire at the end of the year. These cover:the Teamsters Union, United Association, International Union of Operating Engineers, and Laborers International Union of North America.

This year marked another educational auction. Conventioneer’s raised more than $320,000 from the auction.

Keeping with tradition, at the annual banquet the new officers and directors were introduced for 2010. The new president is Brian Ganske, Snelson Construction; first vice president is Chris Leines, Minnesota Ltd.; second vice president is Dan Murphy, Precision Pipeline; and treasurer is John Allen, Pipe Line Constructors.

The 2011 convention returns to Hawaii. It will be held Feb. 22-26 at Kapalua on Maui.