PECO workers poised to go on strike July 4, union officials say

Pico workers just announced they will be going on strike on the 4th of July, as the region is in the middle of one of the busiest summers we've had in years. And this afternoon, we're also going to be hearing from workers in Pico leadership. Let's get right over to Action News' Maggie Kent, who's live in Center City with the latest. Maggie. Yeah, we spoke to Pico workers, including linemen, those who work in the call center, those who are gas technicians, mechanics. They say they are preparing to go on strike at 12.01 a.m. on Independence Day. They say they are disappointed with how the contract negotiations have been going thus far after working without a contract since April 1st. We didn't take this situation lightly. We know how significant the resources that we provide are and how impactful it will be if they're not here. So everyone's ready. We had enough. And this is what happens when you don't share. The workers go on strike. This would be the first in the Pico company history, 1,600 Pico employees. Members of IBEW Local 614 say that it is time that Pico increase their wages, pay fair benefits and fund retirement. The workers say they've been on the job for nearly three months now without a contract in place, as negotiations have gone well into the six month without a deal. Now, Pico says that it has been working with the federal mediator at the next meeting between the company and the union scheduled for July 2nd, although they want to meet even sooner. While the contract dispute goes on, Pico says it does have a plan in place to ensure there are no service disruptions. Unfortunately, if they do strike, which I hope they don't, because, you know, it's a big weekend for Philadelphia, we'll be ready. You know, we're an emergency response organization. We've been planning for this for quite some time and we'll have resources available to be able to respond. Again, that next meeting scheduled for July 2nd, both sides say they are hoping that they come to an agreement on the second so that by the time that the fourth rolls around, everyone can enjoy their holiday. And that means that Pico workers will be on the job. We're live outside of Pico headquarters in Center City. Maggie Kent, Channel 6 Action News. All right, Maggie, thank you for those details.