Subscribe
Share
Share
Embed
In this episode, Elizabeth Corner speaks to Beth Worrell, Managing Director and Chief Legal Counsel of the Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA), about how the PLCA represents the union contractors that build and maintain the USA’s energy infrastructure.
This episode of the podcast covers:
This episode of the podcast covers:
- An overview of the PLCA’s mission and how it serves the pipeline construction industry in the USA.
- What types of companies and professionals typically join the PLCA.
- How the PLCA supports the professional development of its members through training and skills programmes.
- How the organisation fosters a sense of community and connection among members.
- How the PLCA foresees the future of pipeline careers.
- And more!
Sponsoring this episode of the World Pipelines Podcast is the TDW SmartPlug® Isolation System — The safest inline isolation system on the market. Learn more here.
Please support the show by subscribing, rating and reviewing!
Please support the show by subscribing, rating and reviewing!
Creators and Guests
What is World Pipelines Podcast?
The World Pipelines podcast, with Elizabeth Corner, is a podcast that connects and unites pipeline professionals to learn about issues affecting the midstream oil and gas industry.
Hello, and welcome back to the World Pipelines podcast, a podcast series for pipeliners featuring short, insightful interviews with people in the oil and gas pipeline industry. I'm your host, Elizabeth Corner. And in this season of the podcast, I am talking to people from membership associations for the pipeline sector. Throughout the series, we're exploring exactly what these associations do to move the midstream sector forwards and to support pipeliners all over the world.
Advert:The World Pipelines podcast is brought to you by TD Williamson. Looking for the safest inline isolation solution on the market? Look no further. The smart plug inline isolation system from TD Williamson delivers with double independent energized seals, giving you unmatched protection on every project. From maintenance to emergency repairs, the smart plug offers the safety and reliability that pipeline operators depend on.
Advert:Ready to upgrade your next project? Visit tdw.red/smartplug to learn more.
Elizabeth Corner:Here, we bring you episode two of the World Pipelines podcast, in which I am pleased to welcome Beth Worrall, who is the managing director and chief legal counsel of the Pipeline Contractors Association or the PLCA, a position she has held since 2017. Prior to joining the PLCA, Beth was senior counsel at a multinational law firm in Washington DC. A labor and employment lawyer for nearly two decades, she specializes in union labor relations, negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, and related labor management issues. The PLCA represents the union contractors that build and maintain The USA's energy infrastructure. Hello, and a very warm welcome, Beth.
Beth Worrell:Hello. Thank you so much for having me. Looking forward to our discussion.
Elizabeth Corner:We'll start off, with an overview, if you will. So perhaps you can give us an idea about the PLCA's mission and how it serves the pipeline construction industry in The USA.
Beth Worrell:Yeah. Absolutely. So as you mentioned in your intro there, the the PLCA is the organization designed to support the union contractors here in The United States that build and maintain, you know, our energy infrastructure, our pipelines, and facilities that that crisscross this whole whole country. And so we have a nationwide footprint, and we work with contractors, all over the country. But sort of the threshold of, requirement for membership is that they be, signatory to the labor agreement that we negotiate.
Beth Worrell:So we have approximately a hundred different contractors, subcontractors, and different, you know, service providers that that work alongside the unions, out there in the field to to build and maintain this infrastructure. And then as an association, we also have about a hundred or so, members that are the suppliers, the equipment, you know, dealers, the vendors, and so forth that support that construction goes on here, in The United States. So our job, our primary job at the PLCA is to negotiate and administer those labor agreements. We have four different unions that work in the pipeline trades here in this country, And, and so we work closely in partnership with all four of those, and, like I said, negotiate those contracts. And then and then our members are bound to what we negotiate, and so then we become sort of their their labor relations advisers.
Beth Worrell:We advise them on how the contracts apply, what they're required to do, and we just support them in in their compliance with those contracts. And we've been doing that since 1947. We're we're, we we have a a long history here in this country alongside those unions, and so, you know, we're we're proud of that history and all the work we've done here in this country.
Elizabeth Corner:That is a really useful, overview. So thanks for that. And more specifically, what types of companies and professionals are are typically joining the PLCA? And and I wonder if you have seen that membership evolve over the years.
Beth Worrell:The primary focus for us are the folks who are who are actually doing the construction on the ground. So we have contractors and construction firms. Those are really our our bread and butter of who our members are. And so those are the folks that are, you know, clearing the right of ways, digging the trenches, welding the pipe, putting that in the ground, and getting it operational for their customers, you know, the operators of those pipelines. Those those range, those can be big companies.
Beth Worrell:We have a number of, you know, conglomerates that are are probably, operating in other parts of the the world and and are known sort of internationally. And then we have some really small, you know, privately owned mom and pop kind of, outfits, that might be have a much smaller regional footprint and do maybe just a segment of the work. But we do it all from taking down the trees, putting the pipe in the ground, to to putting the trees back where they were when we got there. So there's about a hundred of those companies in our association. There has been a change, I would say, in in what those companies look like just and it's not unique to pipelining, but just as the as the the economy and and the way that people do business, certainly in this country, has changed.
Beth Worrell:You know? Whereas, in in the early days of this association, you had one company that got out there and was responsible for the whole project. Right? They were doing it all. Now, you know, I say, oftentimes to folks, we're really an association of subcontractors in a lot of ways.
Beth Worrell:We're a much more specialized folks have a much more specialized, lane that they seem to focus on. So we have clearing contractors, stringing contractors, drilling contractors. Right? And, and so it's become much more segmented. And and all of those, groups work together, obviously, out there on that construction project, but it's it's not this there are far fewer companies that really do all of it, all by themselves.
Beth Worrell:And so, like I said, from dewatering to to blasting to trenching, I mean, there really are very segmented operations here now. So we support all of those, and we've had to sort of adapt as the nature of these companies has changed and and what they're gonna be looking for from us. But, but altogether, the product at the end is all is still the same.
Elizabeth Corner:Really interesting to hear you talk about those specialized and segmented companies now and how that has changed. So these companies, be they big or small, they join. What are some of the key benefits or resources that PLCA members enjoy once they're signed up?
Beth Worrell:As I mentioned, the leading part of what we do is is to help manage this relationship with with the pipeline trade unions. When you are working as a union contractor, that can come with certain challenges, and I don't mean that in a negative way. I I just mean, you know, there's complex labor agreements that we negotiate that they're required to be in compliance with. In The United States, there's a robust, you know, federal, regulatory scheme around, working with unions and governs those relationships. And so what we are able to do is really be that centralized sort of labor relations department almost for each of these contractors so that they're they are not on their own trying to navigate that relationship, figure out answers to these questions, particularly around contracts that they're not negotiating.
Beth Worrell:Right? We sit across the table from these unions, and we negotiate the contracts. And so we really pride ourselves on being able to, make that seamless for our members, make sure that when they're out there and they're, running the day to day project, that they understand what's required of them, that they're doing it, you know, in good faith and full compliance with the labor agreements. And so that that that is really, first and foremost, I think, what draws people to us. We've certainly had you're not required to join our association if you work under our contract, and we have certainly heard from different companies over the years, you know, when I they first started and they signed the contract and they're out there on their own versus when they came in and they had us as support.
Beth Worrell:It just obviously goes a long way. We have deep relationships with each of the unions, and and we can obviously facilitate solutions and and, you know, address issues if they come up, in ways that are probably more challenging if you were trying to navigate that all on your own. That's really sort of first and foremost what we do. But then with that, also, we do advocate on behalf of the industry with the government, state, local, federal government, regulatory issues, things of that nature, the way we engage with our customers, the owner operators, the gas oil and gas companies. You know, we have strong relationships with with a number of those customers here.
Beth Worrell:And so all of those things, I think, add some depth and and, additional benefit to our members, right, when they're out there trying to bid and win the work, and then go out there and execute on their project successfully, we have a number of ways that we can support them when they're doing that.
Elizabeth Corner:So as I understand it, you're a partner to these companies. You stand by their side in negotiations with unions, and you're there to offer, the kind of support that they might need as they're as they're doing their business.
Beth Worrell:Absolutely.
Elizabeth Corner:So how does the PLCA support the professional development of its members? Do you offer anything on that front?
Beth Worrell:There's a couple of different answers, to that question. What the unions bring to this relationship is the workforce. Right? They are they are the the workers, that that are go that go out there and and build these projects, for us. So we work closely with them.
Beth Worrell:We have training funds, training centers. A value of being a union member here in this country is is that benefit, a a variety of benefits that you get. Right? You don't just get the paycheck. You get the health care.
Beth Worrell:You get the retirement benefit. And a big part of it is you get the training. And so we have a lot of resources that go towards that type of workforce training and development. We take a lot of pride in that. We have training centers that with the unions all over the country and, work closely with our customers, right, to make sure that they're getting a trained and qualified workforce out on their jobs.
Beth Worrell:You know, pipelining is a is a bit of a niche industry here, and so it really does take a different skill set. It's not the same as building a highway or building a high rise. So we we try to make sure that we have, you know, that that workforce ready, available, and and qualified to get out there. And and it can be a challenge because as is often the case in this industry, it's sort of it's a little bit of a when it when it rains, it pours. Right?
Beth Worrell:If we don't have one project at a time, we have 10 projects at a time. So you really have to make sure you have that deep bench, and you have folks that can get out there and do the work. So that's a big part of what we do. And then, we have, you know, different apprenticeship programs. That's also part of our training and, and through the unions.
Beth Worrell:And so that that's how we we identify new folks to bring them into the industry and and and get them off to a good start. On the more professional level, you know, we do have, we do have a comp a a number of events each year, one of which is really focused on safety in construction. And so that's an important part. There's a lot of, training and skill development that we try to offer through that programming, and, and different webinars that we might offer on the labor relations piece. So it it's it it it varies year to year what what we're able to do on the PLCA side, but we do try to focus on making sure our our folks have the resources they need to to get out there and and work safely and manage their their crews effectively.
Elizabeth Corner:Yes. I wanted to talk about resources. So I wanted to know the kind of resources or advocacy support that you offer to help your members navigate those regulatory or safety standards that they need to meet in in the pipeline industry.
Beth Worrell:Yeah. And and, you know, it could be a real challenge here because, you know, depending state to state where you're working, I mean, it'd be different a totally different set of rules and requirements. And and so, you know, some of that falls directly on the companies, and they're responsible for making sure, you know, their their licensing requirements, their different safety requirements are satisfied. But, certainly, when it comes to, on the safety piece of it, you know, what's required for, PPE or protective, equipment, what's required certainly on when people are required to have breaks, when there must be rest periods, you know, when we have, high heat, issues, and how how you manage that. So those are things, obviously, that we confront pretty regularly and that that we are constantly in collaboration with our union partners over making sure both the workers out there and and the the management side, the construction firms themselves know what's required, have the resources they need, that we're empowering those workers out there to address safety concerns and and those types of things.
Beth Worrell:So we we do work hard to make sure, that we're giving, sharing information, sharing resources. Over the years, we've made training videos with our, you know, with our union partners. We had a whole series of of, a primer, sort of manual that we put together. This was years ago and before my time, but very, robust sort of, explanation of pipeline, pipeline safety, and and we're thinking about redoing that here soon. So, best practices are something we focus on a lot.
Beth Worrell:We try and develop and and share with our members. So, you know, the the it's sort of a it's it's a it's a constantly moving target, right, as the safety standards change and evolve. And we just try to make sure we're we're learning as much as we can and working with the professionals in our industry who know best about those types of things, and share with our members what they need to know, to be able to execute.
Elizabeth Corner:Yes. I certainly see how it is a constantly moving target. And and, presumably, things like working in heat, that's the sort of thing that you'd have to move really quite quickly on. You would need to have your finger on the pulse and know what kind of conditions might be coming up for your members.
Beth Worrell:Yeah. And and for us, it's just identifying, you know, trying to make sure our members are aware if, you know, a state passes a new law that is gonna require certain things, then then we make sure we distribute that information to our members, try and make sure they're aware of it. If you're working in this environment, you need to be aware of these requirements. Drug testing is another area that comes up. Different states are gonna have requirements.
Beth Worrell:Some of it's governed by our federal government. So, again, as those changes come, trying to make sure we're educating our members, giving them the tools they need. Obviously, when we went through the COVID pandemic, there was a lot of very fast moving, working with the unions, trying to make sure we were, you know, just advising our members as best as we could on on what they needed to be doing to keep folks safe out there. So, you never like I said, you you never know what what tomorrow will hold, but we just try to make sure we're we're ready to to support our members when they're when they're confronted with these.
Elizabeth Corner:And that leads me to ask you, how does the PLCA address the human factor in pipeline work? So ensuring worker safety, mental health, even things like job satisfaction.
Beth Worrell:It is something that we've we've grown more focused on, I would say, over the last several years, and, you know, we recognize that the pipelining can be a really challenging profession. Our folks are on the road away from home, working in in challenging conditions a lot of times. And so it's important to to see that human factor in that, right, and to make sure that you have healthy and safe, folks out there. I mentioned we we have a, a conference we do every year called our national pipeline conference. We really try and focus on those types of issues.
Beth Worrell:Mental health is always on the agenda, trying to educate, our folks as to what, you know, the the things they need to be thinking about and doing to support their employees. Fatigue, you know, the the sign the the science of sleep and fatigue, so critical. We work our guys, our men and women, long hours, sometimes in difficult conditions, and then we, you know, expect them to to be right back out there, the the the break of dawn the next day. And so trying to be aware, of what people need to to to perform effectively and safely around that. That was a big topic for us at the conference.
Beth Worrell:And so we really do, try to try to keep that at the forefront with our members. You know what? Another program that that we have put together, recently is, we have something called pipeliners on watch. It's not exactly what you asked about, but but it, it's a human trafficking awareness program. It it's a training program.
Beth Worrell:It's something, the PLCA developed that we share resources with our member companies, and they include information about human trafficking in their, you know, onboarding and their safety programs. But with the development of that came, you know, some better understanding of, you know, maybe why is the energy sector prone to having this issue, and and what is it that we can do, to to to put our folks in a situation where where maybe that that they're not drawn towards, you know, you know, that type of activity. So, that really opened a lot of eyes just in terms of of of the conditions that these folks work in and being away from home and and that type of thing. And so, we do try to keep that as an ongoing dialogue with our members, with our union partners, And, you know, we have a demanding we we work in a demanding industry, and we need to make sure we're doing what we can, to keep everyone everyone safe out there. And that's a big part of it.
Elizabeth Corner:Absolutely. And it's surprising me how broad the scope of your kind of burden of care is in these sorts of departments. Moving on, I wanted to talk a little bit about the organization's approach to promoting diversity and inclusion within within the industry.
Beth Worrell:We have a couple different things that I I would point to as, efforts that that help us address those, those areas, particularly when it comes to the workforce that's out there and and really working. We do have these apprenticeship programs, a number of them that we, have developed with, the unions. And, those are are great in attracting new faces, new voices, just new folks, diverse a more diverse sort of, background perhaps into the industry. And, you know, whereas perhaps, you know, one once upon a time, you know, you had to know someone or you had to be related to someone maybe to to get your first opportunity out there in the field. You know, these apprenticeship programs really provide that path.
Beth Worrell:And if you show up and you do the work, then then you're eligible to be out there. You you are guaranteed to get, opportunities in the field, and and you can grow your career. So it gives you that support system as you're starting, which I think is really some of the hardest times, for folks trying to break in. We do a lot of, tribal engagement and training, here. Certainly, a lot of the the, the customers that we work with and for are you know, it it it can be challenging to get these projects approved, permitted.
Beth Worrell:When you're going through, you know, rural lands, you know, there's a lot of, tribal land that you can run into on these projects. So this has become a real priority for us in the industry. And so, you know, efforts to, engage with the tribes, provide training, job opportunities, and just have that you know, build those relationships, share resources with them so that that they can be part of of building these projects and and part of the benefit of these projects. So that's another area that we've really, as an industry, certainly tried to really lean into and and and and have their voices be more part of the industry.
Elizabeth Corner:That's great to hear. For the last episode, I talked to Kevin O'Donnell at the PLCAC, and, obviously, he had a lot to say about, collaboration with the indigenous peoples and that it's very interesting to reflect his comments, so well.
Beth Worrell:Yep. Very similar. You know, I think it's even more so on the forefront for them, but very similar sort of parallel efforts.
Elizabeth Corner:Let's move on and talk about collaboration within the industry. So I'm thinking about the types of events that PLCA hosts. You know, how do these gatherings facilitate the kind of networking and collaboration that you think is useful for the industry?
Beth Worrell:We have two primary events that we host each year and then a number of smaller, different events that that pop up year to year. So we have our annual convention. We get together every February. It's actually just, coming up here in just a few weeks for us, And that's our big event that really we draw in, you know, depending on where things are on the industry. You know, 400 to 600 people are gonna come to that event.
Beth Worrell:Our regular members, which are our contractors, our construction firms are there. Our associate members, which are all the vendors, the suppliers, they're there as well, plus, you know, spouses and families. And so it's a real, fun family reunion type sort of feel, at this event. There are folks who, you know, they came when they were kid, and they were there with their parents. And now they're there, and they have their children.
Beth Worrell:So, you know, our our industry in general is a is a pretty, small, tight knit, one here in The United States. And, yeah, and so you that's really reflected in that event at the convention. And, you know, we've held an annual convention every year since, I think, 1947. So we're about to have our seventy eighth annual convention. And, you know, the the stories still, go way back and and that type of thing.
Beth Worrell:We have certainly focused on, at that event, really making sure that we have we put together programming and a schedule, that that gives people that opportunity to connect, to engage, to find one another, to build their network. So that's everything from, obviously, just having you know, we we try and always have some different team building activities. We try and have, you know, impactful programming and speakers, that can draw some of those connections. We typically will have, some it changes year to year, but some, opportunity for folks to sort of, I would call it, exhibitor light, you know, display their information about their companies, be available to speak, to folks that are interested in learning more. And then also just trying to make sure that we have fun things for them to do at the dinner.
Beth Worrell:You know? And, it's it's it's amazing how much you can accomplish, you know, standing next to the person, at the pop a shot game or whatever it is, and and you just it gives you a way to connect that doesn't feel, quite so, sort of business like, you know, and you can connect on a more personal level. And I think that those are sometimes the most effective connections you can make. So we have our convention. We do that every year.
Beth Worrell:There's a lot, of fun and activities there. We have our national pipeline conference. We do that in the fall. This past, year, we did it in New Orleans. Two day event, again, with a real focus on safety, but also, government, sort of our government relations, our outreach, our customer support.
Beth Worrell:And so that's yet another opportunity where we try to bring people together in the room, get those connections, start some of those discussions. Sometimes we'll have smaller sort of breakout times where it's like we we gather people up and and ask them to work through some questions or some problems, and and then we share with the larger group. So try to deploy some of those types of, you know, strategies at these events to really try and break the ice for people. I mean, I think that's largely what we're trying to do is help break the ice for them so that they can have the conversation they wanna have. And and and it can be challenging for us because we are such a tight knit community that, everyone knows everyone.
Beth Worrell:So if you're the new sales rep for a company or you're the new, company that just opened up or is trying to break into this market, you know, it can be it can be hard. So we try to make sure we give everybody those opportunities, to to connect. And then, you know, we do a variety of smaller, you know, meetings, lunches, or different things with different pipeline operators here, different, industry other industry organizations. And so those can often be really effective. Right?
Beth Worrell:You bring together a smaller group, and then, you know, it really allows those relationships to flourish. So we try to do that. We're looking at starting, like, a lunch and learn program, smaller lunch and learn program where maybe we go and visit different pipeline, operators or oil and gas companies, utility companies here, make sure they know who we are, what the union contractor brings, what the benefits are of working with our our members. And so that's an opportunity where we can bring you know, we try to tap different members to be part of that. And so, again, bringing those smaller groups together and and giving them that opportunity to to to collaborate on a project with us together.
Elizabeth Corner:Really interesting to hear how you try and facilitate that sense of community because as we know, it's the community and the connection and the fun. And when you combine all of that, there is a magic that happens, isn't there, at events? And really nice to hear about the ways in which you bring people into the fold. So you're a close knit community, but equally, it's not going to be intimidating for a new person. Right?
Beth Worrell:That's what we're hoping. Yes. Absolutely.
Elizabeth Corner:So as you talk to your members, what kind of emerging trends or technologies do you find most exciting? What's coming up in the future?
Beth Worrell:What we see a lot of right now certainly is a focus on, the energy transition, here. Right? And so we are extremely focused right now, have a number of large carbon capture projects, carbon sequestration projects. Those are are very much something we're seeing a a lot of and will provide, I think, just great opportunity for our members. I think that's gonna be a real, important part of our market going forward.
Beth Worrell:But it's not just carbon. Right? Focus on on hydrogen, other, you know, fuels, and and things of that nature. So we are we are hearing a lot from our customers. You know?
Beth Worrell:Again, our our our owner operators that that we work with, we really try to be, aware of what they're focused on, what they see coming. And a lot of this, you know, clean energy or alternative energy, I think, is gonna be such a big, big part of what we're really focused on here. There's certainly a political overlay in this country to all of those issues, and so it can change a little bit. We're obviously right at a transition point, and so we're all kind of waiting to see what the new administration maybe. Are there are there pieces that get focused on differently or or move to the forefront?
Beth Worrell:But but just we know from from the folks that we work with at the oil and gas companies, right, that this is the direction we're going. This is coming, and these are gonna be part of their portfolio that they have. So, you know, that that's that's exciting for us. That's gonna you know, anything that puts more more pipelines in the ground is good for us. And so, so we're excited about all of that, and and there's really quite a bit of attention obviously on all of that.
Beth Worrell:And then the other thing, obviously, that we just hear so much from our members and and are always so impressed with is just all the ways in which, you know, the the safety element of of of how the job is done just continues to improve. Just all of the the ways in which the equipment, the techniques are getting safer. People are are bringing just new ideas to that. That's always very fascinating. And so, you know, our our guys, our folks always really, sort of eat that up when we have an opportunity to learn about ways in which they might be able to to execute a piece of their project more safely or, you know, just the innovation they bring to the table to try and do things differently is is always fascinating.
Beth Worrell:So those are the things that that come to mind in terms of what we see coming and and that we're excited about.
Elizabeth Corner:And how are you attracting the next generation of workers if we're looking towards the future of the pipeline sector? Where are these new pipeline is coming from?
Beth Worrell:That's sort of the, you know, million dollar question a little bit, for us. As the world changes and technology changes and things you know, folks get pulled in different directions and in terms of where their career paths could go, certainly, we have faced challenges trying to recruit, people into the industry. You know, we have an aging workforce, sort of the boots on the ground folks and, you know, the professionals that run the company. So, you know, in the time that I've been here, I think that was probably one of the immediate things that that folks highlighted for me as this is this is a real concern for us. We're constantly trying to think of of what what we can and should be doing.
Beth Worrell:One of the things we're really proud, at the PLCA is is we're just now, we've we've had a scholarship program, for years, to support the the children, grandchildren, stepchildren of our members. And we had some of that was always earmarked for folks that had indicated an interest in coming back in the industry. But, obviously, that that's sort of a different nature of a scholarship program. What we're we're we're moving into now and what we're, kicking off this year in 2025 is a trades skills, scholarship program. So we're gonna be working with, a variety of a number of, trade schools and, programs throughout the country and be working with the students that are enrolled there, provide them some additional financial assistance, and then, obviously, some opportunity to come work with our member companies through internships and get a commitment from from those folks that they intend to come back into the industry.
Beth Worrell:We're really excited about that. We're gonna probably start small, but really hope to grow it quickly. Finding the folks who have already sort of started on this path is just probably, the way to go. So we're excited about working with those schools. So many, good schools and programs here that are really trying to teach this, you know, and and provide those alternative paths to sort of the four year college or university.
Beth Worrell:We went through a phase here in this country where it was just like the default. That's what everyone wanted you know, had to do. And I just think we've come back around to say, no. There's there's lots of careers. There's lots of ways to be successful.
Beth Worrell:And so the PLCA is really focused on doing what we can to support those folks who are looking for that opportunity. And so, yeah, we're excited. That that starts here in 2025. It's not official yet, so I can't give you too many details. But it's we have announced that it's starting, and and we'll have some more details here soon.
Beth Worrell:But that's that's gonna be a great opportunity for us to grow our our our professional and our our, our sort of labor workforce. Well, it's
Elizabeth Corner:wonderful to get this scoop on that. Mhmm. What advice or guidance does the PLCA offer to those young professionals that are coming into the industry? What do you tell them in terms of career growth or longevity? You know, what do you what story do you tell them about working in this sector?
Beth Worrell:Yeah. Well, it it sort of goes back to that close knit community that I've mentioned throughout. And so, you know, you're only gonna be successful in this industry if you, if you do it with integrity. Right? If you, if you if you're a person of your word and and people know they can rely on you, you show up on time, you work hard, you know, that that that gets you a long way, in this in this industry.
Beth Worrell:So and the same is true in terms of how you're collaborating with your union partners out there. Right? Communication is key. We tell people all the time. You gotta be talking to people.
Beth Worrell:You gotta be communicating what what the challenges you're experiencing, the things you need to come, to help you get your job done, whether it's up the chain to your superiors, whether it's with your union, you know, steward on the job. Certainly, if somebody came to me and said, what what advice would you give? Communication is such a big part of it. You need to be forthcoming with the information so that everybody can work together on this stuff. A lot of it really is just just hard work and and doing the best you can.
Beth Worrell:I I will say the industry is a forgiving one. It's not like folks are expected to be perfect all the time. Mistakes happen, you know, bad decisions. That was a bad call. I could've done better.
Beth Worrell:If it was done for the right reasons or with the right intentions and you do you do that kind of thing, with integrity, it's family. It really is family here. And so that doesn't mean you won't be successful just because because you had a a slip up or or a a job went bad, you know, or you didn't make money on that project or whatever it is. Folks will support you, if they feel like you're going about it the right way. And and that's one thing I would say too is extraordinarily supportive group of contractors and and industry professionals that we work with.
Beth Worrell:And so stories all the time about, you know, I I got in a gym, and I needed some equipment. I couldn't find it. So I called, you know, I called my competitor, and and he said, no problem. I'm gonna have those over to you tomorrow. We're gonna get you what you need.
Beth Worrell:I mean, everybody wants the industry to succeed, and I do think that is always, sort of everyone's, top priority. So it's amazing how these folks work together. I mean, PLCA is an is a association of competitors. They're all trying to win the same projects. They're all trying to get out there and and do the same work, and yet, you know, extremely open and generous, and thoughtful with each other.
Beth Worrell:So it it's it's a real pleasure to work with these folks because because they go about it in such a such a, you know, wonderful way.
Elizabeth Corner:That's great to hear. I certainly have heard similar anecdotes, and that's always really heartening. So as we wrap up our discussion today, what do you think or what would you say sets the PLCA apart from other membership organizations here? What is its unique selling points?
Beth Worrell:Well, we are certainly unique in that we are supporting specifically our union contractors in this country. There's really no other organization that does what we do here in this country in terms of being able to support those folks and provide the guidance and the labor relations support and the work with the unions. You mentioned Kevin O'Donnell and the Canadian Association, very similar to what they do up there. So we are unique in that way. But, you know, I I think beyond that, what we're able to bring is, a depth of relationship with the owner operators, with the utility companies.
Beth Worrell:You know, we work side by side with them on trying to get these projects permitted and approved and and navigating the legal challenges. And and that, I think, ultimately trickles down in in really positive ways for our members. And so, you know, we take a lot of pride in that and having built those relationships. And then and then again, because we are the union, workforce, you know, just the training that we're able to offer and our members are able to to tout the workforce that they have most, you know, highly skilled, best trained, most qualified workforce. That's really, I think, something that we we pride ourselves on and and think is unique to us.
Beth Worrell:So those are those are the ways in which I think we we stand apart maybe from other other parts of the industry.
Elizabeth Corner:And to finish up then, Beth, I wonder if you can just summarize for us how the organization adapts to the industry changing over the years and and sort of where you see your role developing in the
Beth Worrell:next few years. Certainly, the biggest change over the last recent period of time is the extraordinary effort it takes just to get an infrastructure project, you know, off the ground here, in this country. And so, you know, that has become a much larger part of what what we do to support our members, to support, the customers that we work for. So, you know, government affairs and regulatory engagement is is, a much larger part of what we do than it probably even was, you know, ten years ago. And and so that's an example of trying to to see what the industry needs and respond to it.
Beth Worrell:Similarly, I think, just the nature of who our customers are has changed a little bit, and there's always movement in on that side of the industry, really trying to build those relationships. I think we we do a better job of that now of of really, being an ally and a resource for those customers, knowing who we are that they could reach out to us when they need some assistance. So those are two things I would point to as as more recent areas that we we focus on a lot more now than we probably, did certainly in our early years. It's a win for everybody if we get a project, you know, built and in the ground. So I'd like to see that that collaboration exists at all levels of the industry, and and we're just trying to do whatever we can to to help.
Elizabeth Corner:Thank you so much. That wraps things up really nicely. Thank you so much for talking to me, Beth.
Beth Worrell:Yeah. No. Thank you for having me. Appreciate the opportunity.
Elizabeth Corner:My thanks to Beth Worrall at the PLCA for talking us through the broad scope of the PLCA's commitment to pipeliners in The USA. Thanks for listening to the World Pipelines podcast. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts. If you have enjoyed this episode, please rate and review and forward to a colleague or friend.
Advert:The World Pipelines podcast is brought to you by TD Williamson. Ready to upgrade your next project? Visit tdw.red/smartplug to learn more.