Brothers and Sisters of Local 18007,
I want to speak directly to you regarding a matter that has caused me deep frustration and concern for the future of our members’ work and our union.
For more than a year, Local 18007 has repeatedly raised concerns with Peoples Gas leadership regarding the workload demands associated with the Pipeline Retirement Program. We have consistently warned the company that the expectations stemming from the ICC order are unrealistic and that our members have not been given a fair opportunity to demonstrate what can realistically be accomplished with the workforce currently in place.
Rather than working collaboratively with us to address these challenges, our members’ hands have been tied. Time and time again, we have offered practical solutions to address staffing and workload concerns. Unfortunately, many of these recommendations have been ignored or dismissed by company leadership.
Over the past month, the company has engaged in negotiations that appeared to focus on addressing workload concerns and increasing headcount. However, it has become increasingly evident that, while these discussions were taking place, plans were already underway to bring in and rapidly train highly paid contractors to perform work that has historically been the responsibility of our bargaining unit employees. This raises serious concerns about the company’s commitment to meaningful dialogue and good faith problem-solving.
What is particularly troubling is that this work is not new, nor is it unfamiliar to our members. For more than 98 years, Local 18007 members have safely and effectively performed this jurisdictional work. Our workforce has built, maintained, and operated the gas system that serves our communities, and we have continually demonstrated the skill, knowledge, and dedication required to perform this work at the highest level.This week, I will be speaking directly with Mike Hooper, Chief Operating Officer of WEC Energy Group, to discuss the recent actions taken by Peoples Gas management and their decision to move forward with the use of outside contractors to perform our work. During that discussion, I will make it clear that Local 18007 will continue to advocate for our members, protect our jurisdiction, and hold the company accountable for decisions that impact our workforce and our future. We are thoroughly evaluating every available legal, contractual, and strategic option with our legal counsel and are engaged in continuous discussions with our labor partners to ensure all avenues are fully explored.
Please know that your leadership remains committed to fighting for every opportunity to keep our work in the hands of our members. We will continue to challenge decisions that undermine our workforce and will not stop advocating for solutions that invest in our members rather than outsourcing their work.
Thank you for your continued professionalism, dedication, and solidarity.
In Solidarity,
Nick Passarelli
President
Gas Workers Local 18007/UWUA
