PECO, union continue contract talks as July 4th strike deadline looms

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The prolonged heat wave impacting people across the Philadelphia region is placing additional strain on the region's power grid as a strike threat looms.

PECO Energy said it has not yet experienced peak electricity usage but is prepared for increased demand in the days ahead.

"PECO has been preparing all year long through infrastructure upgrades to ensure reliability for our customers isn't impacted when we see extreme weather like we're having this week," said Matt Rankin of PECO.

At the same time, PECO faces the possibility of a labor strike. July 4 is the deadline for the company and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 614 to reach a new contract agreement.

The two sides have been meeting throughout Thursday.

PECO said it has offered the union a 20% raise over the next five years along with other concessions. Union representatives dispute the company's position and said no agreement has been reached for the union's 1,600 workers.

Mayor Cherelle Parker has also weighed in, sending a letter to both parties urging them to reach an agreement soon.

Despite ongoing negotiations, the union said it is prepared to walk off the job at 12:01 a.m. July 4 if a deal is not reached.

"We're getting very close to the deadline, which would impact a lot of people and where the temperatures are right now. They are playing chicken with a lot of peoples lives," said Larry Anastasi, president of IBEW Local 614.

PECO said it has contingency plans in place in the event of a strike. Negotiations between the company and the union were expected to resume Friday.