Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

Like many of you, I am also disappointed in the many projects that have been stalled or delayed. All the more reason we must continue to be vigilant in our efforts to advocate. Sadly, only about 50% of our members are actively engaged on our Action Network. Ironically, that is also about the percentage of man-hours that may be affected on our totals this year. We as an industry and pipeline local have many enemies that would love to destroy our livelihood, and the only way for our united voice to be heard is through the Action Network. It only takes a few minutes when an action appears in your email box or your Facebook feed to take the time to sign it. Those few minutes will help make a lifelong change to your pocketbook, pension, healthcare, and 401(k). If you are not sure how to get started with the Action Network, please take the time to ask someone to help you or go to our website or Facebook page for the information. The job you save may very well be yours!

The good news is that summertime is here and many of our contractors are picking up smaller projects that they have passed on in the last few years. We are even gaining a little ground in Texas, where there is an abundance of work. I don’t ever like to negotiate down to compete for market share, but if we choose to do nothing, I’m fairly confident we will receive nothing. For far too long the non-union contractors have kept wages stagnant with no benefits for the people who try to survive. The non-union workers know there is strength in unity, but they have been singled out and ostracized for so long that they are afraid to ask for better wages and conditions, much less demand it. Most, if not all, of these non-union contractor owners live like baron robbers of yesteryear, while most of their hired help try just to make ends meet. I truly hope by pushing hard on the lower tier states that we not only secure work for our members, but bring with us the most productive, highest quality, and safest workforce available to the clients.

Many of the projects that we work on require training and outreach to surrounding tribal nations and their members. Specific clients are asking about the number of 798 members who are also members of federally recognized tribes. If you are registered as a tribal member of a federally recognized tribe, please respond by email to information@local798.org, leaving your name, book number and tribal affiliation. Your personal information will not be shared with others; only the total number of tribal members will be shared.

I want to assure you that I believe our work outlook is still robust, but we should all recognize that 11 or 12 million man-hours every year is just not reality. There is an enormous amount of pipeline infrastructure to be built in the next three to four years, and we will continue to partner with the clients to ensure we get our piece of the pie. As always, I am proud to say, “I work for you, the greatest pipeliners in the world.”

Fraternally,

 

Daniel C. Hendrix

 

0