I am writing this report while on the road across West Texas and New Mexico; I hope this finds everyone doing well.
The work has been slow getting started this year, mostly due to the efforts of radical environmentalists. We must always make a better case for our jobs than they do for their exaggerated agenda. Pipelines remain the safest mode of transportation of product compared to anything else. These people know that, but it’s not just pipelines that they wish to destroy, but the oil and gas industry as a whole and our livelihood in the process.
The good news is that there are plenty of Building Trades jobs that we can man. There are many sister local unions needing Welders and Fitters right now, and they are struggling to man their work. These are good paying union jobs with benefits. Although they aren’t pipeline jobs, they pay the bills and add to your healthcare and retirement. We also need to help our sister local unions provide experienced craftsmen to their fair contractors. I would encourage everyone to get an OSHA 10 and UA Certifications. These are things that will help you get to work much easier and will certainly benefit you. I have personally worked Building Trades jobs in the past and always made money. So, if you’re looking to get on the payroll, contact your Business Agent or the Dispatch Office. They can help you get out.
We have picked up a few good jobs in Texas; this is encouraging considering the number of non-union contractors there are to compete against. It’s hard for our fair contractors to bid a job competitively when you have so many people in a specific area willing to work for wages that are far below the average, without benefits, and in substandard working conditions.
The very worst thing a union member can do is work for a non-union contractor. These companies are the reason we lose work. If a skilled union member works for them in any capacity, they are going against everything that we stand for and believe in. The Constitution clearly states that if a union member works for a non-signatory contractor that performs any type of UA work, they are subject to internal charges. If a person has any doubt, contact a Local 798 Organizer or Business Agent in your area to make sure before you go. There is NEVER an excuse to be working for these rat contractors, especially with all the Building Trades work going on. If you are contacted by a non-union company about work or know of any members working for them, please let us know.
If I can be of any help to anyone in any way, please don’t hesitate to call. Also, if you have any information that can help us in any form, please call.

Fraternally,

Ronnie M. Hill

(918) 284-6862

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