Strike begins: Union representing about 1,600 PECO workers walk off the job

Key Points:

• After over 12 hours of negotiations without a contract agreement, IBEW Local 614 members began striking against PECO at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, with about 1,600 workers including linemen and technicians participating.
• The union seeks fair wages, a universal pension plan, retirement medical benefits, and a unified contract, citing that PECO has not presented a wage proposal in months and that workers are underpaid compared to peers in nearby states.
• PECO claims to have made meaningful progress, offering a nearly 20% wage increase over five years and enhanced benefits, with an average lineman salary projected at $243,569 in 2025 including overtime.
• A federal mediator has been assigned to assist negotiations, but the union has not agreed to participate; both sides express a desire to continue discussions toward a fair agreement.
• PECO assures customers that contingency plans are in place to maintain reliable electric and gas services during the strike, emphasizing their commitment to safety and ongoing good faith bargaining.