PECO Strike Enters Second Day Amid Heat and Assault Claims

WHO:

WHYY - PECO’s 1,600 unionized workers are represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 614.

NBC10 Philadelphia - Joseph Vassallo is a linesman and member of IBEW Local 614.

NBC10 Philadelphia - Joy Rodriguez is a specialized consultant for PECO’s customer care center.

WHYY - Greg T. Smore is a spokesperson for PECO.

WHYY - Melissa McCleery is a spokesperson for the union.

WHAT:

WHYY - PECO workers went on strike for the first time in its 145-year history after negotiations for a new labor agreement collapsed.

NBC10 Philadelphia - The strike began at midnight after the union and PECO failed to reach a new contract agreement.

WHYY - The union claims PECO employees earn about 30% less than their counterparts at nearby comparable companies.

WHYY - PECO made $814 million in 2025 and saw an increase in net income through the first quarter of 2026.

NBC10 Philadelphia - Several alleged assaults involving striking workers were reported, including incidents in Philadelphia and Chester County.

WHERE:

WHYY - The strike is taking place outside PECO’s headquarters at 23rd and Market streets in Philadelphia.

NBC10 Philadelphia - Incidents were reported in both Philadelphia and Chester County, specifically at the Berwyn Yard in Tredyffrin Township.

WHEN:

NBC10 Philadelphia - The strike began at midnight on July 4th.

NBC10 Philadelphia - The union announced they are prepared to strike at 12:01 a.m. on July 4th if an agreement is not met.

WHY:

WHYY - The union states that PECO’s “lack of seriousness over six months of bargaining” forced them to strike.

WHYY - The union is demanding industry-standard wages, pension and health benefits for about 600 workers hired after 2021, and retirement benefits based on gross payroll.

HOW:

WHYY - Workers began picketing outside the company’s headquarters as negotiations continued.

NBC10 Philadelphia - A federal mediator is now working with both sides to reach a resolution.

(UPDATED July 5, 2026 19:24 UTC)

PECO's 1,600 unionized workers, represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 614, have gone on strike for the first time in the company's 145-year history after contract negotiations collapsed. The strike began at midnight on July 4, with workers picketing outside PECO’s headquarters in Philadelphia, while a federal mediator is now involved to help both sides reach a resolution. The union claims that PECO employees earn about 30% less than their counterparts at similar companies, and they are demanding industry-standard wages and benefits for their members.