Important Notice
Dear Members of Local 18007,
We are writing to you today to express our collective disappointment in People’s Gas for their attempt to contract out our historical and traditional safety-sensitive, customer-facing work to outside entities like Miller and NPL Construction. This move undermines the very foundation of our union’s hard-fought gains and disregards the expertise and dedication of our members who have long ensured the safety and reliability of services in our communities.
Throughout numerous bargaining sessions, Local 18007 has consistently emphasized the importance of diversity among our members as a key strength, alongside historical data demonstrating our unmatched record in safety. These discussions were not mere formalities; they highlighted how our diverse, experienced workforce is essential to maintaining the high standards that protect both our customers and our neighborhoods.
Moving forward, our success depends on unity and collaboration between all members and the
Executive Board. We must remain vigilant against the company’s efforts to bring in contractors to “supplement” what they perceive as a depleted workforce. To that end, the Executive Board will be filing a grievance with a direct path to arbitration and Collaborating with UWUA to file Art.XX charges against ANY union who violates long established past practice. Additionally, we are launching a strong media campaign and a grassroots approach to inform the public especially in the regulatory arena, about the inadequate, substandard workforce that would be imported from all parts of the state to operate in Chicago’s dynamic and challenging neighborhoods.
It’s important to note that People’s Gas has already been presented with data from Local 18007 leadership proving that contractors are not needed for 2026 and 2027. Furthermore, proposals outlining the groundwork for 2028 were provided to People’s Gas leadership as far back as August 2025. Despite this clear evidence, the company persists in this shortsighted strategy.
This will not happen without a fight, but by standing together, we can prove to People’s Gas that Local 18007 will not tolerate this tyrannical approach to labor.
In Solidarity,
Sean Gaurige, Nick Passarelli, Curtis Rearden, Ericka lgess, Larry Carella, Mike McDonagh