Delmarva Power workers plan strike

Electrical workers plan a strike against Delmarva Power.

The union that represents nearly 800 Delmarva Power workers notified the company on Tuesday that they intend to strike in 72 hours.

On June 11, members of IBEW Local 1238  voted 569 to 126 in favor of a strike.  The workers have been working under a contract extension since the beginning of February.  The union members include mechanics, line and clerical workers, plus Conectiv power plant operators.

A major sticking point in the contract negotiations is proposed changes to the company’s pension benefits plan.  If workers do hit the picket lines, it would be the union’s first strike against the power company in more than 60 years.

Delmarva officials say they have plans in place to continue service and necessary repair work for customers if the union does go on strike.  The company will use non-union employees and contractors to fill in for workers who are on the picket line.  In a statement, Delmarva Power region president Gary Stockbridge says, “We recognize that there could be inconvenience for some customers and we ask for understanding and patience while we work through this period.”