As a contract was set to expire, union representatives for PECO workers say they have filed unfair labor practices against the company and may strike.
As a contract was set to expire at midnight on Tuesday, PECO employees and members of the electrician's union, IBEW Local Union 614, gathered to call out the electric company claiming it was engaged in unfair labor practices and has raised rates without accountability.
A strike threat loomed Tuesday as a contract for PECO workers expired. The possible strike comes after the energy company announced that it intends to raise rates by more than 12-percent in the coming year. Contracts between PECO and its union workers were set to expire on Tuesday and, a few hours ahead of that deadline, union representatives gathered to provide an update on ongoing negotiations.In fact, according to Stuart Davidson, an attorney with Willig, Williams & Davidson and a negotiator for IBEW Local Union 614 -- which represents PECO's linemen, gas technicians, mechanics, call center workers, and back office workers -- the union has filed unfair labor practice charges against PECO with the National Labor Relations Board.He said that, with that filing, the union alleges PECO hasn't engaged in good faith bargaining and haven't responded appropriately to requests for information.Union representatives said that they are seeking a"fair contract with wages, retirement, and medical benefits that reflect the dangerous, highly skilled, and essential service its members provide for the public."Davidson also said that healthcare premiums and deductibles for PECO workers are"very high" and other employees of the company, who are not in the union, get better plans.Also, Larry Anastasi, IBEW Local 614 president and business manager, argued that the company could afford to pay workers better as PECO raised rates about six percent in 2025, andAs customers would be saddled with increases next year if new rate hikes are approved, Anastasi said that the increased revenues were being used to pad the pockets of executives in the highest levels of the company while claiming union workers were making salaries that were less than industry standard.Asked if the workers plan to strike once the contracts expire, Anastasi said that the union has not decided that yet as it has never gone on strike before."The way things are going right now, we haven't moved on anything of substance," said Anastasi on the status of the negotiations.Following the union's event on Tuesday morning, Nicole LeVine, PECO's Senior Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer, responded to concerns, noting that the increased profits from last year were due to"weather driven" factors. And, she insisted the company was working towards a"fair and equitable" contact, without providing additional specifics.Asked how far the two parties are apart in offers, LeVine said they didn't not want to negotiate in public. "They make a great wage and we are looking to increase what they are already given, including some opportunities for retirement," she said. She also said that the company was"fully prepared" if the union decides to go on strike once the contract expires.Negotiations were expected to continue throughout the day Tuesday.
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