Contracts between PECO and its union workers were set to expire on Tuesday. A few hours ahead of that deadline, union representatives gathered to provide an update on ongoing negotiations and revealed they were not going well. In fact, according to Stuart Davidson, an attorney with Willig, Willi ams Davidson and a negotiator for IBEW Local Union 614 — which represents PECO’s linemen, gas technicians, mechanics, call center workers, and back office workers — the union has filed unfair labor practice charges against PECO with the National Labor Relations Board. “This is not a company that respects its employees,” said Davidson. The union accused PECO of not engaging in good faith bargaining and not responding appropriately to requests for information. “They haven’t treated us like other workers,” Davidson said. “They’ve treated us unimaginably worse.” Union representatives said that they are seeking a “fair contract with wages, retirement, and medical benefits that reflect the dangerous, highly skilled, and essential service its members provide for the public.” Davidson also said that healthcare premiums and deductibles for PECO workers are “very high” and other employees of the company, who are not in the union, get better plans. Rate hikes sought once again Also, Larry Anastasi, IBEW Local 614 president and business manager, argued that the company could afford to pay workers better as PECO raised rates about 6% in 2025, and plans for a 12.5% hike for 2027, even as PECO reported over $814 million in profits in 2025. “It is an atrocity, what they are doing,” he said. As customers would be saddled with increases next year if new rate hikes are approved, Anastasi said that the increased revenues were being used to pad the pockets of executives in the highest levels of the company while claiming union workers were making salaries that were less than industry standard. “The corporate idiots that run this place make well above industry standard,” Anastasi said. Asked if the workers plan to strike once the contracts expire, Anastasi said that the union has not decided that yet as it has never gone on strike before. But, he said, if negotiations don’t move forward, a strike remains an option. “The way things are going right now, we haven’t moved on anything of substance,” said Anastasi on the status of the negotiations. PECO responds to union claims Following the union’s event on Tuesday morning, Nicole LeVine, PECO’s Senior Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer, responded to concerns, noting that the increased profits from last year were due to “weather driven” factors. And, she insisted the company was working towards a “fair and equitable” contract, without providing additional specifics. “I think that we’ve given a fair offer. I think negotiations are going well,” said LeVine. Asked how far the two parties are apart in offers, LeVine said they didn’t want to negotiate in public. “They make a great wage and we are looking to increase what they are already given, including some opportunities for retirement,” she said. She also said that the company was “fully prepared” if the union decides to go on strike once the contract expires. “Our customers will not see an interruption in service,” she promised. Negotiations were expected to continue throughout the day Tuesday. This is a breaking news story. It will be updated as new information becomes available. ...read more read less