PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — PECO workers with IBEW Local 614 walked off the job at midnight on Saturday, as a new contract has not been met. The strike comes in the midst of a holiday weekend that’s brought record heat and will bring massive thunderstorms.
“We have marginally made some progress. However, nothing close to a settlement has been reached. At 12:01 a.m., we will be on strike,” said Local 614 President Larry Anastasi on Friday night.
Stuart Davidson, the head of counsel for the union, said there’s still distance between both sides regarding the union demands. Workers are seeking raises, a new retirement benefit system and improved healthcare benefits.
A statement released by the union earlier Friday said members will not cross the picket line despite the region facing some of its hottest temperatures on record during a busy July Fourth weekend. Massive thunderstorms are also expected to slam parts of the region.
“It could be a hot, sticky Fourth of July if PECO can't get a fair deal,” Anastasi said. PECO's Chief Operating Officer said a contingency plan is in place, and customers shouldn’t expect delays or service interruptions.
In a statement to KYW Newsradio, PECO said it "remains committed to negotiating in good faith with IBEW Local 614 and reaching a fair and equitable agreement."
“We’re not a priority. And very soon, the residents of one-third of the state are gonna realize they’re not a priority either. They’re a check,” Anastasi said.
The union said many members are paid up to 30% less than workers doing the same job at other utility companies. The company said it has offered a "nearly 20% wage increase over five years" along with "enhanced" retirement and medical benefits.
Members of IBEW Local 614 have been without a contract since April 1. This is the first work stoppage in PECO history.
The company says a contingency plan is in place amid the busy holiday weekend
The company says a contingency plan is in place amid the busy holiday weekend
