IBEW Local 614 workers in automation, engineering techs, customer service, facilities and linemen went on strike on July 4, 2026. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
Other unionized electric workers will not cross the line
According to the union, IBEW locals representing workers at utilities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Georgia have directed their members not to accept calls, emergency work or side work from PECO.
United Association Local 855, which represents gas and utility workers in New Jersey, is also honoring the picket line.
Shawn Dougherty, business agent for Teamsters Local 107, in explaining his support of PECO’s union workers, said that “labor sticks with labor.” He accused PECO of committing an unfair labor practice, adding that he believes the company has not bargained in good faith.
“This chapter of the IBEW has been very, very tolerant,” Dougherty said, adding that when PECO came to the negotiating table, “guns are blazing right away.”
“Quite frankly, I don’t act that way,” he said.
Dougherty hopes that a deal is reached so workers can return to work.
“They want to serve the constituency. They want to serve the ratepayers. They are the ratepayers,” he said.
Striking PECO workers walked a picket line in front of the company’s headquarters at 23rd and Market in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
Union accuses company of allegedly assaulting its members
IBEW alleges that three striking members have been assaulted in separate incidents since the strike began, two of those incidents happened at the Berwyn Yard in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County.
Union leaders said a PECO security officer pushed a member to the ground at the utility’s Oregon Avenue facility in Philadelphia and that a PECO truck struck another member at the Berwyn Yard. In a separate incident, a third-party vehicle struck another union member at Berywyn Yard, according to IBEW.
Larry Anastasi, president and business manager of IBEW Local 614, said it was unacceptable for striking workers to be subjected to physical violence by security personnel or placed at risk by vehicles moving through picket lines.
“Our members are exercising their legal right to peacefully picket, and that is exactly what we expect them to continue doing,” Anastasi said. “We are committed to conducting this strike safely and responsibly, and we expect PECO and everyone acting on their behalf to do the same. The company ha responsibility to ensure that interactions at its facilities remain safe and professional.”
Smore, PECO’s spokesperson, denied the allegations.
“Based on our investigations, these accusations are completely false,” he said in a statement.
WHYY’s Susan Philipps contributed reporting.
Disclosure: PECO is among WHYY’s financial supporters. WHYY News produces independent, fact-based news content for audiences in Greater Philadelphia, Delaware and South Jersey.
