Updated: Nov. 6, 12:15 p.m.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — About 400 Atlantic City Electric workers are now on strike after months-long negotiations have stalled.
The contract for A.C. Electric’s utility workers, electricians and dispatchers expired on Nov. 2, and talks broke down with Exelon, the utility's parent company.
The union's business manager, Zach Story, says they wanted better retirement security and pensions — and had asked for additional money for members who worked through the pandemic.
“The majority of our members had to come to work every day, no guidance in this, and we kept the lights on, worked days, nights and throughout the cold, the heat, the weather — all kinds of different events — and we kept it going. And we asked for something small in return for that — just some type of compensation if that were to ever happen again — and they refused to do that,” Story said.
“They pay themselves very handsomely, they pay themselves good pensions, as we found out in these negotiations, they pay themselves very high bonuses, and we just feel that it’s getting a little out of hand for the men and women who actually do the work everyday and make them the money that they can’t compensate us.”
Story says his members live in the area and pay the same electric rates as the people they serve.
“They have raised the rates exponentially, and they take all that money — all the customers' rates that they pay — they take all that money and they hoard it for themselves to the select few. And the people who actually keep the lights on, we truly believe they don’t care about us, and it’s a shame.”
An A.C. Electric spokeswoman on Sunday said the company bargained in good faith and their best and final offer was fair and competitive.
"The offer presented included a five-year deal with incremental increases totaling 16% - 20% by the end of the contract term and numerous other benefits," said Candice Womer, senior communications specialist. "Currently, the average Atlantic City Electric line person earns $177,326 annually, which includes overtime, with an average hourly rate of $53.72."
The utility company's statement listed other offerings in the proposed, as well, including:
— $1,500 ratification bonus.
— Increases in pay premium, meal stipends and clothing allowance.
— Shift differential increase.
— Additional vacation days and holiday time.
— Military leave enhancements.
— Training pay increase.
— Work from home option for certain classifications.
While the union is on strike, she said, the utility does not expect any service interruptions.
"We have contingency plans and highly qualified staff in place to ensure our customers’ electric service is not affected. We will continue to respond to address any customer needs and electric emergencies, should they occur."
A.C. Electric said the company remains open to going back to the bargaining table to seek agreement.