PECO Workers Threaten Strike as Contract Nears Expiration

Union representing 1,500 PECO employees demands better benefits and compensation

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:53am

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A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a hardhat, safety gloves, a wrench, and a coil of electrical wire, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background to symbolize the skilled and hazardous work performed by PECO utility workers.The essential tools and equipment used by PECO's skilled utility workers underscore the dangerous and demanding nature of their jobs, which are at the heart of this contract dispute.Philadelphia Today

IBEW Local 614, the union representing around 1,500 PECO employees including linemen, gas technicians, mechanics, and call center workers, is threatening to strike if a new contract with the electric company is not reached before the current one expires on Tuesday. The union is seeking retirement benefits and compensation on par with PECO's management, arguing their members perform dangerous and essential work to keep the lights on for customers.

Why it matters

A potential strike by PECO workers could disrupt power service and emergency response in the Philadelphia region if an agreement is not reached. The negotiations highlight the ongoing tensions between utility companies, their highly skilled frontline workers, and customer affordability concerns.

The details

PECO has been negotiating with IBEW Local 614 for two months, with the company offering what it calls a 'competitive wage and benefits package.' However, the union president says PECO has not been bargaining in good faith and the proposed compensation still falls short of what the workers deserve given the dangerous and essential nature of their jobs. The union plans to file charges against PECO with the National Labor Relations Board for not bargaining in good faith.

  • IBEW Local 614's contract with PECO is set to expire on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • Negotiations between PECO and the union have been ongoing for two months.

The players

IBEW Local 614

The labor union representing about 1,500 PECO employees who work as linemen, gas technicians, mechanics, call center workers and back office workers.

Nicole LeVine

PECO's Chief Operating Officer, who says the company is offering a competitive wage and benefits package to its employees.

Lawrence Anastasi

The president and business manager of IBEW Local 614, who says the union wants retirement benefits and compensation on par with PECO's management.

PECO

The electric utility company that employs the workers represented by IBEW Local 614.

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What they’re saying

“It's important for us to make sure we are compensating our employees in a way that meets industry benchmarks but also keeping in mind the challenges our customers currently have with affordability.”

— Nicole LeVine, PECO's Chief Operating Officer

“We want the same pension and benefits they are giving to the foremen and the executives. We don't even want to be above industry standard. We want to be industry standard.”

— Lawrence Anastasi, President and Business Manager of IBEW Local 614

“They work around the clock. They work on high voltage, 80 feet in the air, underground manholes with rats, roaches and needles. They jackhammer. They work on live gas mains. They go into homes and get people out before they blow up.”

— Lawrence Anastasi, President and Business Manager of IBEW Local 614

What’s next

Negotiations are set to continue on Tuesday morning, March 31st. If an agreement is not reached, IBEW Local 614 has threatened to authorize a strike, which would be the first in 20 years of working with PECO.

The takeaway

This contract dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between utility companies, their essential frontline workers, and the need to balance fair compensation with customer affordability. A potential strike could disrupt power service in the Philadelphia region, underscoring the critical role these workers play in maintaining the electric grid.