Molly Ayala
Atlantic City Electric workers, who are members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 210, went on strike in June 2022 and again in November 2023, seeking better pay, health benefits, pensions, and protection from subcontractor work. The strike was in response to a contract dispute with Atlantic City Electric, with the union accusing the company of corporate greed and eroding employee benefits and working conditions. The company, however, claimed that it had negotiated in good faith and presented a fair and competitive offer. The strike lasted for about a month in 2022 and continued into its fourth week in 2023, with the company utilizing contract employees to fill in for the union workers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of employees on strike | Almost 400 |
| Union | International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 210 |
| Reason for strike | Better health benefits, improvements to pensions, protection from subcontractor work, fair pay, equitable benefits, and improved working conditions |
| Outcome | A contract was ratified on December 5, 2023, including wage increases, a new recognized holiday, and other benefits |
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What You'll Learn
Wage increases and holiday entitlements
The union has been seeking fair wages and equitable benefits for its members, who are responsible for keeping the lights on day and night in all weather conditions. They claim that the company's previous offer was disingenuous as it did not take into account the apprenticeship, training and overtime necessary to earn those wages. The base wage for linemen and the average wage for most union members was also considered "substantially less" than what was expected.
In response, Atlantic City Electric has presented a five-year deal worth incremental increases of 16% to 20% over that time. The company has also agreed to make Veterans Day a fixed holiday for union members, bringing the total number of holidays for employees to 13 per year.
The union has voted to approve the proposed contract, which includes wage increases and a new recognised holiday, bringing an end to the month-long strike.
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$22.53 $25
Health benefits and pensions
Almost 400 workers at Atlantic City Electric went on strike on November 5, 2023, citing issues with retirement, healthcare, and staffing. The workers, members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 210, sought improvements to their pensions and health benefits, as well as more protection from subcontractor work.
In a statement, the union said, "corporate greed affects our wages, our benefits, and our careers." They criticized the company for raising rates while enjoying massive profits and providing inflated bonuses and salaries to executives.
Atlantic City Electric, meanwhile, claimed that they had negotiated in good faith and presented a fair and competitive offer to the union. The company stated that they were committed to delivering safe and reliable energy services to their customers during the strike.
The strike lasted about a month, and a labour agreement was reached on December 5, 2023. While the details of the agreement are confidential, it included wage increases and a new recognized holiday. The union members also gained improvements in pay premiums, meal stipends, clothing allowances, training pay, and a shift differential.
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Subcontracting work
The strike by Atlantic City Electric employees, who are members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 210, was triggered by disagreements over contract negotiations. One of the key issues was the company's proposal to include "harmful subcontracting language" in the contract, which would allow them to assign work to non-union workers and reduce compensation for union employees.
The union workers sought to protect themselves from the potential negative impact of subcontracting work. They argued that the company's executives were prioritizing their own bonuses, retirement packages, and salaries while eroding employee benefits and working conditions. The strike, which began on November 5, 2023, lasted about a month before a labor agreement was reached.
During the strike, Atlantic City Electric utilized contract employees and local contractors to sustain its operations. The company claimed that these contractors were qualified and followed the same safety guidelines as their internal line workers. However, union manager Zach Story warned that the company's use of unqualified workers could lead to more frequent and longer outages for customers.
The resolution to the strike included a contract that provided wage increases and a new recognized holiday for union members. It also included improvements in other areas, such as meal stipends, clothing allowances, training pay, and a shift differential. While the specific details of the agreement remain confidential, it appears that the union was able to secure better terms for its members, likely including some protections or clarifications regarding the use of subcontractors.
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Staffing and working conditions
In response to the strike, Atlantic City Electric has defended its position, stating that it has negotiated in good faith and presented a competitive and fair offer to the union. The company has also emphasised its commitment to delivering safe and reliable energy services to its customers, assuring them that service will not be affected during the strike, even in emergency situations. To maintain operations, the company has utilised local contractors and workers from its sister companies.
The union has warned that customers should expect more frequent and longer outages due to the company's use of unqualified workers. They argue that their members have extensive knowledge of the system and have worked in the communities they serve for many years, sometimes even decades.
After a month-long strike, Atlantic City Electric and the union reached a labour agreement, which included wage increases, improved benefits, and a new recognised holiday. While the specific details of the agreement are confidential, it appears to address at least some of the concerns related to staffing and working conditions that initially triggered the strike.
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Bonuses and retirement packages
The strike by Atlantic City Electric employees in June 2022 was triggered by disagreements over bonuses and retirement packages, among other issues. The workers, represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 210 (IBEW Local 210), contested the company's claims that their offer was fair and competitive.
Zach Story, a business manager for the union, stated that the executives at Atlantic City Electric were paying themselves "inflated bonuses, handsome retirement packages, and exorbitant salaries," while simultaneously eroding employee benefits and worsening working conditions. The union demanded better retirement security, including improved pensions and healthcare.
In November 2023, around 400 workers went on strike again, citing issues with retirement, healthcare, and staffing. After a month-long strike, Atlantic City Electric and the union reached an agreement that included wage increases, although the details were not disclosed.
The union workers felt that the company's executives enjoyed inflated bonuses and retirement packages while they faced cuts to their benefits and deteriorating working conditions. The union's statement highlighted the dedication of its members, who worked tirelessly during challenging conditions, and they believed they deserved fair pay and benefits comparable to those of the executives.
The specific details of the bonuses and retirement packages offered by Atlantic City Electric to its executives are not publicly available. However, the union's statements indicate that they considered these packages "handsome" or substantial enough to cause concern and strike action.
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Frequently asked questions
Atlantic City Electric employees are on strike due to issues with retirement, healthcare, and staffing. The union is demanding better health benefits, improvements to pensions, and protection from subcontractor work.
The union has stated that the contract negotiations are unfair, and that the company is exhibiting “corporate greed" that affects their wages, benefits, and careers. They also claim that the company's executives pay themselves inflated bonuses and salaries while eroding employee benefits and working conditions.
Atlantic City Electric has stated that it will utilize local contractors to sustain its operations and avoid service disruptions. They also claim to have presented a competitive and fair offer during the contract negotiations.
Yes, after a month-long strike in 2023, Atlantic City Electric and the union reached a ratified agreement that included wage increases and a new recognized holiday.
