More than 1,500 Peco employees, represented by IBEW Local 614, are voting on a strike authorization after their contract expired on March 31. The union demands higher wages, improved benefits, and a fair retirement package, while the company says it has offered competitive compensation and remains open to negotiations.

1,500 Workers Rally in Plymouth Meeting for Strike Vote

Over a hundred workers and supporters gathered on Saturday morning at Peco’s headquarters in Plymouth Meeting to kick off a strike authorization vote. according to the source,the crowd held signs reading “Fair contract now” and “Ready to strike if we have to,” while Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer” plaeyd from a speaker. The event was led by Larry Anastasi, IBEW Local 614 Union president, who urged workers to cast their votes and decide whether the union would authorize a strike.

First Time a Peco Contract Has Expired Without a New Deal

In 2004, Peco workers voted to join the union, and by 2007 they had ratified their first contract. This is the first time in the union’s history that a contract with Peco has expired while another one is not already agreed upon. Since bargaining began earlier this year, 17 negotiating sessions have taken place, all in-person, according to a Peco spokesperson. The most recent session was on May 27, and the next is planned for June 3, with additional dates scheduled in June and July.

Union Demands vs. Company’s “Competitive” Offer

The union is pushing for higher wages, better healthcare benefits, and a more equitable retirement package. Currently, some workers have a pension, but roughly 600 of them who joined the union in recent years do not. Among those who do have one, there are also different plans. Peco continues to offer competitive wages and benefits that compare favorably with industry peers across the region, according to a company spokesperson. The company also provides training programs that support performance and safety, and linemen made an average of more than $243,500 last year in wages, including overtime.

What Happens If the Vote Passes?

If workers vote to authorize a strike, and they do walk off the job, it would be the first time employees do so in the company’s history. peco spokesperson Matt Rankin said the company was well‑prepared and had contingency staffing plans in place to ensure that customers’ electric and natural gas services are not affected. The vote results were scheduled to be available that evening, according to the source.

Who Is the Unnamed Buyer?

While the source does not name a specific buyer, it notes that the union’s local president said, “We intend to get a strike authorization vote today, and one day, and one day soon, you’re going to hear from us again.” The company’s spokesperson, Candice Womer, called a strike authorization vote a procedural step, emphasizing the company’s commitment to good‑faith negotiations. the union’s president, Larry Anastasi, called out the company’s lack of responsiveness,stating, “We always show up when Peco needs us, and they are not showing up for our workers.”