PECO Reaches Tentative Deal To End Historic Strike

PENNSYLVANIA — PECO has settled its strike after three days, reaching a tentative deal with workers following a walkout at a time of extreme heat in the Philadelphia region.

The strike began at 12:01 a.m. on July 4 after months of negotiations between the utility and its IBEW Local 614 union.

The union workers — 1,600 linemen, gas technicians, mechanics, call center workers, and back office workers — are expected to be back on the job on Wednesday.

PECO brought in contractors over the Fourth of July holiday weekend to handle power outages from three-digit temperatures and some major storms that caused damage to power lines in the region.

"This tentative agreement reflects our commitment to recognizing the important contributions of our represented employees while ensuring we continue to provide the safe, reliable energy service our customers depend on every day," PECO said in a statement.

It was the first strike in PECO’s 145-year history.

The union said it achieved its major contract priorities, including cash balance pension plans for all members, full retirement medical coverage for all members, and significant general wage increases.

“Tonight, we declare victory. IBEW Local 614 is ending our strike with a historic win and a landmark contract. This is the beginning of a new era at PECO, one where greed does not go unchecked and the workers who make modern life possible get the respect and dignity we are owed," Union President Larry Anastasi said.