Press Releases
Teamsters Applaud Judge’s Ruling to Continue Pipeline Construction
(WASHINGTON) – The Teamsters Union is pleased with a ruling today by U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg that will allow for the continued construction of the Dakota Access pipeline.
Judge Boasberg ruled against an injunction filed by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to halt the pipeline project that is currently under construction in North Dakota. The Dakota Access pipeline was lawfully approved by four states, including North Dakota, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. All supporters and opponents of the project had the equal right to voice their opinions on the project and engage in a civil debate regarding the merits of the pipeline, including in three public hearings held throughout the state.
The Dakota Access pipeline is a $3.78 billion infrastructure project that will create energy independence while employing thousands of union workers, including Teamster members.
As the project moves forward, a top priority for the Teamsters Union is the safety of the workers constructing the pipeline, as well as the safety of any protesters.
Members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, LiUNA, the International Union of Operating Engineers and the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union are currently at work building the pipeline, which is nearly half completed. The skilled workers have the most advanced training, safety redundancies, and other operational excellence protocols to prevent impacts to the property, the environment and local community.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.teamster.org. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.