Workforce

As veteran pipeline workers retire, the industry is increasing its focus on training, technical education and workforce development to support future operations.

Union talks at Inpex’s Ichthys LNG facility in Australia entered a critical final stage as workers warned strike action could disrupt LNG supplies to Asian markets.

A global panel at PTC 2026 highlights strategies to recruit, retain and advance women in the pipeline industry, offering practical insights on leadership, mentorship and workforce development.

U.S. oil and gas employment declined again in 2026, continuing a multi-year trend as workforce levels remain below previous highs despite stable production activity.

Workers at Inpex’s Ichthys LNG plant are voting on a new deal, with a potential strike adding fresh supply risk to an already tight global LNG market.

FERC has approved a workforce increase and extended construction hours for NextDecade’s Rio Grande LNG project, allowing the developer to accelerate work on the Texas export facility.

AMPP has launched TalentForce to address a growing shortage of corrosion professionals, a workforce gap that could impact pipeline integrity and critical infrastructure reliability.

Pipeline coatings remain the first line of defense for onshore and offshore energy infrastructure, with coating selection, testing, and application systems playing a growing role as projects move into harsher environments and high-temperature operations.

Unions representing workers at Woodside’s Pluto 2 LNG expansion have formally applied for approval to strike, threatening to disrupt construction of the 5-MMtpy Train 2 project in Western Australia. A walkout could delay first LNG cargoes planned for the second half of 2026.

Colonial Pipeline, operator of the largest U.S. refined-fuel network, confirmed plans to cut jobs as part of a restructuring under new owner Brookfield Infrastructure. The $9 billion acquisition marks the first time the 5,500-mile pipeline has had a single owner since the 1960s.

Imperial will cut 20% of its workforce as part of a restructuring aimed at saving $150 million annually by 2028. The company expects a $330 million charge in Q3 2025 but says production targets at Kearl and Cold Lake remain unchanged.

ExxonMobil will cut 2,000 jobs worldwide as part of a global restructuring, adding to widespread oil and gas sector layoffs amid weaker prices and industry consolidation.

The €10 million ($10.7 million) facility will train workers to operate and maintain hydrogen transmission systems safely under real conditions.

ConocoPhillips will cut 20–25% of its global workforce, or up to 3,250 jobs, as part of a major restructuring, the company confirmed. Shares fell 4% after CEO Ryan Lance detailed the plan, citing rising costs and pressure from lower oil prices. Most cuts will be completed before year-end.

Workers at Belgium’s Fluxys Dunkirk LNG terminal have launched a three-day strike over pay and energy taxes, part of wider union action in the power and gas sector. The company said operations remain unaffected, while unions reported an impact on gas flow rates.