PECO’s 1,600 unionized workers have initiated a strike just after midnight Saturday, marking the first work stoppage in the utility company’s 145-year history. The action comes after labor negotiations with management regarding a new labor agreement reportedly collapsed.
Union Cites Lack of Seriousness in Negotiations
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 614, representing linemen, gas odor responders, technicians, call center staff, and other back-office employees, stated that the company’s “lack of seriousness over six months of bargaining has forced us to this point.” Workers began picketing outside the company’s headquarters at 23rd and Market streets as the strike deadline passed.
PECO spokesperson Greg T. Smore expressed disappointment with the strike, asserting that management had presented a “strong, market-competitive proposal” which included nearly a 20 percent wage increase over five years, alongside significantly enhanced retirement and medical benefits. However, union representatives remained unconvinced.
Joseph Vassallo, a linesman, expressed his desire to ensure a future for PECO employees. “It’s hard for me to sell the younger guys on what they’re going to be getting coming in here when I don’t even know myself,” Vassallo said while walking the picket line. Joy Rodriguez, a specialized consultant for PECO’s customer care center, voiced concerns about potential job outsourcing, stating, “We want to continue to bring the jobs to the city of Philadelphia and the surrounding counties that we service.”
Contract Negotiations and Union Demands
PECO provides electricity to approximately 1.7 million ratepayers in Philadelphia and surrounding Pennsylvania suburbs, and natural gas to about 550,000 suburban customers. The contract between IBEW and PECO expired in March, with negotiations commencing in January.
The union is seeking industry-standard wages, claiming PECO employees earn about 30% less than their counterparts at comparable companies. Additionally, the union is demanding pension and health benefits for approximately 600 workers hired after 2021. They also want retirement benefits calculated based on gross payroll rather than the current base-salary structure, which does not include overtime pay.
Union spokesperson Melissa McCleery characterized management’s approach as “unserious,” noting that substantial changes to offers were only made recently. McCleery also suggested that funds from a recent rate increase are not being allocated to workers, citing “enormous amount of waste and greed at PECO.” According to reports, PECO generated $814 million in 2025 and saw an increase in net income in the first quarter of 2026. The CEO of PECO’s parent company, Exelon, received approximately $24.6 million in total compensation last year.
Support from Other Unions and Allegations
IBEW locals from utilities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Georgia have reportedly directed their members not to accept work from PECO. United Association Local 855, representing gas and utility workers in New Jersey, is also honoring the picket line. Shawn Dougherty, business agent for Teamsters Local 107, expressed solidarity, stating, “labor sticks with labor,” and accused PECO of unfair labor practices and not bargaining in good faith.
The union has also alleged that three striking members have been assaulted in separate incidents since the strike began. These incidents reportedly include a PECO security officer pushing a member to the ground and a PECO truck striking another member at the Berwyn Yard. A third-party vehicle also allegedly struck a union member at the Berwyn Yard. Larry Anastasi, president and business manager of IBEW Local 614, called these alleged assaults unacceptable and urged PECO to ensure safety and professionalism at its facilities.
PECO spokesperson Smore has denied these assault allegations, stating, “Based on our investigations, these accusations are completely false.”
Helene Elliott is the senior reporter for News Raise. She covers Science news. She also has a keen interest in photojournalism. Helene holds a nomination for the prestigious Red Smith Award. She is married to author Dennis D’Agostino, a former publicist with the New York Mets.
