IBEW Local 29 members are rallying in Pittsburgh as their strike against Duquesne Light enters its seventh day, demanding fair wages and improved safety protocols.
PITTSBURGH —
IBEW Local 29 members held a rally outside Duquesne Light’s Woods Run facility in Pittsburgh’s Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood on Wednesday as their strike entered its seventh consecutive day.
“The hope is that Duquesne Light stops playing games and works with the union here to negotiate a fair contract for them,” said Pittsburgh City Council Member Bob Charland.
The union has used social media to call on members, families, public officials and others to show support. Workers are demanding fair wages and better safety protocols as negotiations with Duquesne Light continue.
Union leaders said Duquesne Light Company needs to address their concerns.
“I think the company has come to realize that they’re not getting a deal without rectifying our big issues, and I’m hopeful that we’re going to get an agreement as soon as possible,” said Josh Ewing, of IBEW Local 29.
In a statement released Tuesday, the union said it has reached a tentative understanding on several key issues, including subcontracting and the use of technology. However, critical issues remain unresolved, such as retirement benefits, wage increases, healthcare, and safety concerns.
Support from other local unions and honks from passing cars have helped boost morale for the striking workers.
“Hopefully they go back to the bargaining table and get this thing done today, or within the next couple of days, because these people need to feed their families. The work they do is dangerous work, and they need to be out in the field getting things done,” said John Galuska, president of the Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council.
Union leaders met with DLC after the rally and told members to “hold the line,” expressing hope that when the strike ends, everyone will return to work together.
What the city is saying
Pittsburgh City Council has also weighed in on the matter.
“The workers are not fighting necessarily just for wages. They’re also fighting for their safety,” said Council Member Bob Charland, who represents District 3.
On Tuesday, Charland voiced his support for the union’s efforts.
“This union is fed up. They’ve had enough. And it’s time for them to give them a fair contract, give them safe protections, make sure that our customers that live within the city, that live within my district, but live anywhere else throughout the county and region are taken care of,” Charland said.
A resolution sponsored by the council urges Duquesne Light to resolve the disputes quickly and ensure workers receive a fair contract without disrupting services for Pittsburgh residents.
“We’ve got a city council that doesn’t always agree on a lot of things, but on this resolution, we’re saying that we’re all unified behind the workers of IBEW 29. The electrical workers are important to us. They keep the city running, and we need Duquesne Light to stop playing games with them,” Charland said.
How Duquesne Light is responding
Duquesne Light responded to the strike, saying, “Since IBEW 29 initiated a strike early Thursday morning, Duquesne Light Company has activated contingency plans focused on delivering safe, reliable electricity to the community and providing responsive customer service.
“We value our partnership with the union and its represented workers. We look forward to continuing negotiations so we can finalize a contract that is fair to our workforce and keeps costs affordable for our customers.”
Union leaders say members will maintain a 24/7 presence on the picket lines until a deal is reached.