Pipeline construction workers set to strike in US
Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 04:18PM 
More than 700 Teamster pipeline construction workers across the United States are preparing to strike after negotiations failed with the Pipe Line Contractors Association.
The strike started with about 200 Teamsters in Pennsylvania and West Virginia walking off the job. More in other locations are to follow.
The National Pipe Line Agreement between the Teamsters and the Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA) expired Jan. 31, 2011, but was extended twice, ultimately expiring on Dec. 31, 2011.
PLCA wants to force Teamsters into a 401(k) savings plan and ultimately eliminate all traditional defined benefit pensions. Traditional pensions offer more security to workers because they provide a set, monthly income at retirement despite the instability and unpredictability of Wall Street.
PLCA is an association of more than 70 large and small, public and private, construction companies that build and maintain the pipeline infrastructure for the highly profitable oil and gas industries.
Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents 1.4 million men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Reader Comments