After 11 days on the picket line, Duquesne Light workers have approved a new labor deal. Duquesne Light and IBEW Local 29, which represents nearly 1,000 workers, have a new five-year contract after union members voted to approve the deal. More than 700 ballots were cast, with over 500 workers voting in favor. The vote ends an 11-day strike that began September 30th after the previous contract expired without an agreement. Union leaders had raised concerns about staffing levels, outside contractors, wages, health care and retirement benefits. Workers are returning to the job this morning. It was the first sustained strike at Duquesne Light in 50 years.
