text: I was there when CH2MHILL lost the contract to Norcon. We were told that there was no way that any of us would be retained as we would have to join the union and then be at the back of the line regardless of skill. When pushed further the Norcon rep said if work demand increased the unions in WA and OR would be called to supply addition workers. Union first regardless of residence. This is what happens when a scaffolder cannot help with an bolt-up and a pipefitter can't help alter a scaffold. I was lucky and got another job before the end-of-year purge. The musical chair game is alive and well on the North Slope.