Duquesne Light workers strike over wages, working conditions

About 1,000 workers continued striking for a second day at Duquesne Light, the electrical utility company that serves most of Allegheny and Beaver counties, including the entire city of Pittsburgh. 

The workers, represented by IBEW Local 29, initiated the work stoppage at midnight Thursday over numerous issues, including wages and working conditions.

Bargaining between the union and company was ongoing on Friday. The workers’ previous contract expired on Sept. 30.

The union said the company wants the power to outsource its work, which it believes will lead to local jobs being eliminated. The strikers include those who work on the lines, customer service representatives and others.

"We do not know if this contractor is union or non-union, local or out of state, or even located in this country," Josh Ewing, business manager for Local 29, wrote in a letter to members on Wednesday. "Think about that. If a car wrecks into a utility pole, a customer tries to call for help, and their call gets sent to the Philippines? This is insanity."

Duquesne Light wrote in an email to customers that electrical service will continue during the strike and that "contingent workers" are available to perform critical work. The company also said that it is committed to negotiating with the union in good faith and reaching a fair agreement. 

The same information is posted on the utility’s website, as is a statement that the “company’s final offer includes wages that would rank among the most competitive in Pennsylvania, double-digit wage increases over the life of the contract, a commitment to hire 120 additional union positions and other significant enhancements designed to support our employees and their families.” 

As of Friday afternoon, workers were picketing at nine locations across Allegheny and Beaver counties. 

Workers on the picket line outside of the Preble Service Center in Marshall-Shadeland said they were in good spirits and hoped that a deal would be reached soon. 

Striking workers held up picket signs and cheered as drivers in passing vehicles honked their horns in support. Several tents enabled strikers to avoid the light rain that was falling, and one worker prepared lunch on a blacktop grill.

A giant inflatable pig, standing at least 30 feet tall and holding a utility worker by the neck in one hoof and a money bag in another, was set up facing the Duquesne Light office near Beaver Avenue.