Brothers and Sisters,
I want to take a moment to reaffirm my unwavering dedication to every member of Local 18007. Your trust, your hard work, and your commitment to this union are what drive us forward every single day. As your Business Manager, I remain fully committed to fighting for your wages, benefits, working conditions, and long-term security.
We continue our ongoing battle with Peoples Gas and their threat to rely on 597 pipefitters. This is unacceptable. We are the qualified, trained, and experienced workforce in our jurisdiction, and we will not allow outside contractors to undermine our members’ opportunities. We are holding all contractors accountable—because we are the subject matter experts. When it comes to safety, quality, and efficiency on these jobs, no one does it better than Local 18007 members. We will continue to push back aggressively until our members get the work they deserve.
On a more personal note, the recent memorial event held in honor of our Brother James “Ducky” Kostka was a powerful reminder of what this union is all about. The strong turnout and the genuine support shown by our members proved once again that in times of crisis, unity is not just important—it is essential in a union environment. When we stand together, we honor our fallen brothers and strengthen our collective power.
Looking ahead, I will be providing testimony in the form of data requests in the ICC rate case involving Peoples Gas. This is expected to be a year-long process, and I will keep every member fully dialed in every step of the way. I will continue to fight in these proceedings to protect our interests and ensure that our voices are heard loud and clear.
Thank you for your continued support and solidarity. Together, we are stronger, and we will keep moving this Local forward.
In Solidarity,
Sean Gaurige
Business Manager Local 18007
