Story perspectives

IBEW 614 Strikes PECO, 1,600 Workers Walk Out

7/4/2026

Summary

IBEW 614 Strike

IBEW Local 614 began a strike at PECO Energy on Saturday after five months of failed talks.
The union said PECO’s lack of seriousness over six months forced the walkout.
PECO offered a 20% wage raise over five years and other concessions while the union declined mediation.
About 1,600 members, including linemen, technicians and back-office staff, joined the walkout while they have been without a contract since April 1.

Summary

Union Leaders Warn

Union leaders met with Philadelphia mayor and state legislators before the strike to warn of possible service disruptions.
They cautioned that the walkout could hamper outage restoration and emergency response during an upcoming heat wave and forecast storms.
PECO said its latest offer adds significantly enhanced retirement and medical benefits together with a proposed wage increase.
Community groups have begun contingency planning with local shelters to keep power-critical services operational.

Summary

Union Strike

The walkout began at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, coinciding with a holiday weekend, record July heat and approaching thunderstorms.
Workers claim they earn up to 30% less than peers at other utilities, a wage gap that union counsel Stuart Davidson says remains far from PECO’s latest offer.
PECO’s chief operating officer disclosed a contingency plan to keep power restoration and emergency services running during the strike.

History

Historical Context

PECO, founded in 1881 and absorbed into Exelon in 2000, serves about 1.6 million electric customers in Philadelphia. In 1970 IBEW Local 614 halted PECO service for ten weeks, involving roughly 1,500 electricians, securing a 12 % wage rise and costing the utility $30 million. That strike showed prolonged utility walkouts can compel concessions, a pattern echoed in today’s walkout.

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IBEW 614 Strike

IBEW Local 614 began a strike at PECO Energy on Saturday after five months of failed talks.
The union said PECO’s lack of seriousness over six months forced the walkout.
PECO offered a 20% wage raise over five years and other concessions while the union declined mediation.
About 1,600 members, including linemen, technicians and back-office staff, joined the walkout while they have been without a contract since April 1.

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