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Teamsters Reach New National Pipeline Agreement

SOB Pipeline

The Teamsters ratified a new national master agreement with the Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA) today that covers 3,500 Teamster pipeliners.

“Despite the 50-year low in man hours that the industry has experienced, the Teamsters remained committed to getting our members the very best contract,” said Rick Bauer, Teamsters National Pipeline Director. “This agreement will not only improve the lives of current pipeliners and their families but will serve as a strong recruiting tool for the next generation of pipeliners.”

The new three-year agreement includes a three percent wage increase each year, a six percent health care increase each year, and improved working conditions and guidelines. The contract was approved by more than 100 Teamster Local Unions.

“The work that Teamster pipeliners do is paving the way for ensuring our nation’s energy independence and this agreement is one that reflects the important nature of their work,” said Tom Gesualdi, Director of the Teamsters Building Material and Construction Trade Division. “From higher wages to better benefits and workplace protections, this new agreement should set the standard for all contracts in the industry.”

“We’re pleased to have been able to secure yet another strong agreement for more than 3,500 Teamster pipeliners,” said Jeff Cooper, Assistant Director of the Building Material and Construction Trade Division “The skills that these hardworking men and women possess are valuable and deserve just compensation.”

Throughout the negotiation process, the Teamsters regularly met with the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), and United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA) and negotiated jointly on all major issues.

The Teamsters negotiating committee, which included Bauer, Gesualdi, Cooper, Mike Toth of Local 142, Chad Ward of Local 346, Dave Dumond of Local 406, also benefitted from the rank-and-file voices of Jeff Adams of Local 406 and Mark Christman of Local 697.