The theme of this year’s Inter-Union Gas Conference (IUGC) — “United, We Move Forward” — reflected a renewed sense of solidarity and shared purpose among gas workers across North America.
Held October 27–30, 2025, at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas and hosted by the United Association (UA), the conference brought together hundreds of gas professionals from across the labor movement, including members of the UWUA, UNIFOR, IBEW, ICWUC/UFCW, UA, and the USW.
The UWUA delegation was the largest of any union, with 120 members representing 18 locals. Nearly one-third were first-time attendees, underscoring the union’s commitment to developing and empowering its next generation of leaders.
“It’s my favorite conference,” said Raul Reyes, president of Local 522 in California. “It’s so valuable to connect with other UWUA gas locals and other unions working in gas.”
UWUA Caucus: contracting, AI, and the future of union work
UWUA Secretary-Treasurer Mike Coleman welcomed the delegation to the UWUA caucus, and Senior National Representative Jim Gennett facilitated a discussion of challenges and opportunities facing gas locals.
A key concern was the increasing use of contractors, particularly for in-home service work. Locals reported that some utilities now allow outside contractors into customers’ homes — an alarming shift from long-standing practices that protect safety and accountability through skilled, union labor.
In Chicago, Local 18007 noted a sharp rise in contractor use inside customer homes. The company claims it cannot meet state-imposed deadlines with its current workforce, but the local strongly disagrees. If the workload is that high, Local 18007 argues, the company should hire and train more union gas workers, not outsource the work. Delegates said the company’s approach reflects a short-term focus on shareholders and cost-cutting over long-term safety and workforce stability.
Across the caucus, delegates shared strategies to push back — from filing grievances to organizing public campaigns that emphasize one message: union work means safe work. As one participant put it, “This isn’t about turf — it’s about protecting customers, our trades, and the standards that keep this industry safe.”
Another major topic was artificial intelligence (AI). Delegates explored how AI is reshaping scheduling, dispatch, and system monitoring. Rather than resisting technology outright, members focused on how to harness AI for worker protection — using data to identify safety trends, improve training, and strengthen bargaining positions as companies integrate new tools.
The caucus also reviewed policy trends affecting the gas industry, particularly efforts in some regions to phase out natural gas. Members reaffirmed the importance of telling their story — how gas workers are essential to maintaining safe, affordable, and reliable energy, and to ensuring a just transition that leaves no community behind.
As the conference concluded, one message resonated across unions and borders: solidarity, training, and worker voice are the foundation of a safe and sustainable energy future.