PEPCO's first strike

Monthly Labor Review, Oct, 1985 by George Ruben

The first strike sagainst the Potomac Electric Power Co. in its 89-year history ended when members of Local 1900 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) ratified a contract. The accord covered 3,300 workers in Washington, DC, and parts of nearby Maryland and Virginia. The utility operated during the stoppage, utilizing some 1,800 supervisors and administrators as replacements.

Wages were increased by 5 percent retroactive to June 2, 1985, and by 4.5 percent in June of 1986 and 1987.

Benefits changes provided by the 3-year contract included a 38-percent increase in pensions for workers retiring at age 55 after 30 years of service, and a 23-percent increase for those retiring at age 60; additional pension increases resulting from crediting all service from age 21 (formerly 25); hospital medical and surgical insurance cost containment features such as pre-authorization reviews for elective surgery and higher fee schedules for out-patient surgery to reduce hospital use, and an increase in deductibles to $100 per person and $300 per family, from $50 and $100; a 10th annual paid holiday; elimination of the cap on accumulation of sick leave, which ranged from 10 to 25 days, varying by length of service; and establishment of a savings plan, with the only investment being made by the employees, up to 10 percent of their earnings.