Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Workers at PECO launched the first strike in the utility company’s 145-year history early Saturday as they walked off the job Saturday morning.
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The strike by IBEW Local 614 workers began at 12:01 a.m. Saturday after the union and PECO management failed to secure a new contract.
Striking employees immediately established 24/7 picket lines at multiple locations across PECO’s service area.
The union represents 1,800 members overall, with 1,600 PECO workers participating in the strike. The bargaining unit includes linemen, gas technicians, mechanics, call center operators, and back-office staff who maintain the region’s electrical and natural gas infrastructure.
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“PECO’s lack of seriousness over six months of bargaining has forced us to this point,” the union said in a statement. “We are officially on strike. We strike strong, and we strike to win.”
The contract expired on March 31, and employees have been working without an agreement since April 1.
Negotiations between the two sides began in January.
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PECO posted on its website that the company is staffing positions left vacant by strikers.
Backup crews are available to handle electric and natural gas calls.
“Our response times are not delayed, but restoration times may be impacted by picketing activity,” the company said.
According to the union, many Local 614 members earn up to 30% less than utilities workers performing identical roles at other companies.
Union leadership is seeking a contract that includes a wage increase to counter inflation and narrow the pay gap with management, improvements to healthcare to address on-the-job injuries, and a simplified retirement benefit system to eliminate a multi-tiered structure that disadvantages newer hires.
Including overtime, the average PECO lineman makes $243,569, according to the utility company.
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The union pointed to PECO’s recent financial performance and executive pay during negotiations, noting that PECO reported a $278 million profit in the first quarter of 2026. Additionally, the union highlighted that Calvin G. Butler Jr., CEO of PECO’s parent company Exelon, received more than $24 million in total compensation in 2025, which included a private jet allowance.
PECO expressed disappointment over the union’s decision to strike but assured the public that utility services would not be disrupted during the heat wave and the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
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“Our customers, communities and partners across the region have been assured that we have comprehensive plans in place to maintain service continuity under any circumstance and will continue to prioritize safety for our employees, customers, and the public,” PECO said in a statement.
The company stated it is bargaining in good faith and has offered a contract that includes a wage increase of nearly 20% over five years. The offer includes enhanced medical and retirement benefits.
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PECO also said that a federal mediator was assigned to assist with the contract talks.
According to the company, management encouraged using the mediator to advance negotiations, but the union has not agreed to participate in that process.
PECO officials said they remain available to resume negotiations at any time, including nights and weekends, to reach an agreement.
