Nearly 1,000 Duquesne Light workers go on strike
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Dozens of workers picketed outside Duquesne Light's Woods Run facility Thursday on the North Side. Photo: Chrissy Suttles/Axios
Nearly 1,000 Duquesne Light workers who repair power lines, troubleshoot outages and assist customers are on strike after their union and the utility failed to reach a new contract Thursday morning.
Why it matters: Duquesne Light says service will continue uninterrupted with non-union employees and outside contractors, while leaders with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 29 say the strike could slow power restoration during severe weather.
- The utility serves more than half a million customers across Allegheny and Beaver counties.
Catch up quick: Union leaders say the dispute centers largely on staffing levels, safety and job security — including how technology is used and which employees can unionize.
- IBEW Local 29 business manager Josh Ewing raised concerns about the balance between union linemen and nonunion tech workers. The union says inadequate staffing and other operational inefficiencies have slowed power restoration times, pointing to the deadly April 2025 storm response.
The other side: Duquesne Light said in a statement it was disappointed the union decided to strike "despite [the utility] presenting what we believe is an industry-leading offer for our employees," adding that the company aims to resume negotiations quickly.
- "We also have a responsibility to keep costs affordable for our customers, stay competitive with our utility peers and provide reliable service to our communities," the company said.
- "Likewise, our continued investments in technology and infrastructure have helped deliver one of the most reliable electric systems in the state."
Between the lines: The walkout follows growing friction over how the company manages its field operations. Hundreds of Local 29 members recently signed a no-confidence letter to DLC CEO Kevin Walker citing worker safety and technological barriers.
- "[We] no longer have confidence that the director-level and above leadership team is capable of effectively fulfilling its responsibilities to ensure the safety of our employees and the public," the letter read.
The company says its contact center will remain open during regular hours, with bill payment assistance and requests to start, stop or transfer service available as usual.
What's next: It's unclear how long the strike will last.
- Dozens of workers picketed outside the company's Woods Run facility on the North Side, with round-the-clock picketing planned at facilities throughout the region.