Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker sent a letter urging PECO and its labor union, IBEW Local 614, to come to an agreement before the looming July 4th strike deadline. In her letter, Mayor Parker talks about how the city is on the world stage for Independence Day as well as America’s 250th birth day celebrations. “I encourage you to continuously work together at the bargaining table to find common ground. PECO provides an essential public service to residents, businesses, hospitals, first responders, and all the people who live, work, and visit our city. Philadelphia is on the world stage, welcoming hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors to celebrate America’s birthday on the Fourth of July. We are also in the midst of extreme weather conditions that we know will disproportionately impact our oldest and most vulnerable residents. Any disruption to PECO service and support would pose real risks to public health, safety, and economic activity given the influx of visitors we have in our City for these events,” Parker wrote in her letter. A spokesperson from PECO issued a statement in response to Mayor Parker’s letter that reads:“We appreciate Mayor Parker’s letter and her recognition of the importance of continuing negotiations. We remain committed to bargaining in good faith with IBEW Local 614 and reaching a fair and equitable agreement that supports our employees while maintaining affordability and reliability for our customers. We share the Mayor’s belief that all reasonable avenues should be pursued to move negotiations forward. A federal mediator has been assigned to facilitate discussions, and we continue to encourage participation in that process to help achieve a fair and equitable agreement. To date, the union has not agreed to participate. We remain ready to meet at any time, including nights and weekends, to make progress at the bargaining table and continue productive discussions. Our customers, communities, and business partners can be assured that PECO has comprehensive plans in place to maintain safe and reliable service under all circumstances. Our focus remains on serving our customers and delivering the reliable service they depend on every day.“ IBEW Local 614 warned the energy company that their members plan to strike on July 4, 2026. The union represents PECO’s linemen, gas technicians, mechanics, call center workers and back office workers. “We did not come to this decision lightly. We know the impact that will be felt across Philadelphia and its four counties,” Larry Anastasi, President of the IBEW Local Union 614, said of the looming strike. As a result of this impending strike, roughly 1,600 PECO workers responsible for maintaining gas and electric systems are expected to step away from their positions. The Union says that PECO is not offering serious counterproposals to their proposals, despite the months-long negotiations. In response to the union’s statements, PECO said it is providing a fair package to IBEW with raises and benefits. The union and PECO are set for another round of contract talks on Thursday, July 2.  The strike would be the first work stoppage in PECO’s 145-year history. ...read more read less