Over 1,000 PECO workers could go on strike if deal is not reached with IBEW Local 614

More than a thousand PECO workers across the region could be headed toward a strike as a critical contract deadline approaches.

The current agreement between PECO and IBEW Local 614 is set to expire at midnight Tuesday, raising the possibility of a walkout if a deal is not reached in time.

Union leaders and PECO management met again Tuesday morning in what was being described as a last push to reach an agreement.

IBEW Local 614 says it is fighting for higher wages, improved health care benefits and the restoration of pensions. The union represents roughly 1,600 workers, including linemen, gas technicians, mechanics and call center employees who help maintain the region's electric and natural gas systems.

The union also announced it filed unfair labor practices charges against the National Labor Relations Board, citing what it calls a lack of progress in negotiations.  

The announcement comes as the union points to PECO's recent financial performance, noting the company reported a nearly 50% increase in profits last year following rate hikes that raised customer bills.  

Stuart Davidson, a Center City attorney who is the union's lead negotiator, accused PECO of failing to provide adequate information to the union to be able to evaluate benefit plans, including health care, pensions and 401(k) plans.

Davidson said newer hires don't have access to the same retirement benefits that workers used to.

PECO Chief Operating Officer Nicole LeVine said the company's profit spike was weather-driven.

"A lot of our profits are very weather-dependent. So you saw some decreased profits the year before because we had a very mild season, and then last year we had a colder winter and a warmer summer. So when you compare year-over-year, that's why you see the differentials, it's really weather," LeVine said.

Without getting too detailed on negotiations, LeVine said PECO is open to raising wages for Local 614 members.

"They make a great wage, and we're looking to increase what they're already given, including opportunities for retirement," LeVine said. "I think that we have a great benefit package and I think that we'll be able to come to some agreement."

In a news conference, workers argued they deserve fair compensation for their role in a highly dangerous industry, including competitive retirement benefits.

"We work around the clock in the rain, the snow and the sleet," said James McGill, the union's assistant business manager and a lineman for 34 years. "We risk electrocution. We risk falling. I know more people than I care to admit that have had life-threatening injuries. I've even had two of my friends electrocuted and die working for this company."

Union leaders say Local 614 has never gone on strike. But if a walkout does happen, it could impact approximately 1.7 million PECO customers across southeastern Pennsylvania.

Union officials say their proposal reflects the "risk, skill and public value" of their members' work maintaining critical infrastructure.

"They won't pay the people that risk their lives so there is literally light," union president and business manager Lawrence Anastasi said at the news conference.

Union leaders have also raised concerns about worker and consumer safety, including deferred maintenance and aging infrastructure.

"I think that we've given a fair offer...we are looking to end up with a fair and equitable contract," LeVine said.