INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO)/WAWV)— The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 1393 has announced its intention to strike against Duke Energy after stalling a new fair work contract.
According to the news release, the nearly 1,000 union members employed by Duke Energy have been waiting for the company to agree to a new labor contract. These employees are the ones responsible for maintaining and operating the electrical infrastructure that Duke Energy controls. This includes those working at the generation plants that provide more far-reaching resources across the state.
The previous labor agreement is said to have ended on May 1, 2025, and employees have been working under the good faith of the old contract while negotiating the new one.
The news release from the Union states that Duke Energy has refused to change from what the release calls Duke’s “best and final offer”. They cite key issues in the negotiation as equitable wage increases and addressing rising health insurance costs. The release states that the company has posted record profits, but believes they are prioritizing shareholders over the health and safety of its employees, who are working excessive hours.
“Duke Energy has continually boasted about its record profits, even citing its CEO, Harry Sideris, who noted a 22% increase in earnings in the first quarter of this year compared to last,” said Christopher T. Wilson, Business Manager and Financial Secretary for Local 1393. “These profits are made possible by the hard work and sacrifice of our members—yet Duke refuses to provide fair wages or adequate benefits. Meanwhile, customers face another rate hike.”
The union points out that its members are workers performing dangerous and skilled work that provides power to the state, especially in outage situations during inclement weather like the kind the Wabash Valley has encountered multiple times this year.
WTWO reached out to Wilson for further comments, where he stated that he feels Duke Energy has failed to value their workers who keep the lights on and work in dangerous situations, such as outages and emergencies. He continued saying that its not just about wages but that its about fairness, respect, and equality.
Wilson stated that the union currently has 987 workers who would be going on strike if negotiations don’t go any further, which will not only affect local communities but also those who rely on the generation plants for power.
Wilson said that if Duke Energy doesn’t want to continue negotiations that the union will be seeking federal mediation and move on to the international stage for strike sanctions. If they get the blessing from both, the strike could come as early as the next two weeks.
Wilson continued, stating that he wants the public to know that they want to ensure the work in the community is completed by experienced workers who are treated fairly. According to Wilson, the workforce of the union has dwindled over the last 12 years by over 250 members. He said they’ve lost 78 members just since negotiations have started on the new contract, citing that they’ve either quit, retired, or sought other employment opportunities over the working conditions.
He said that they’ve even lost 50% of their generation workforce over the last decade. Wilson said that instead of hiring more workers, the company has instead pushed 16-20 hour work days on fewer employees.
When we reached out to Duke Energy for comment, they sent back this statement:
“The work of our International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1393 (IBEW) represented employees is highly valued to the company, our customers, and the communities we serve. Our goal during negotiations is to achieve a mutually favorable labor agreement with the IBEW that provides fair compensation, competitive benefits, and a safe work environment.”
The vote by the union on the decision to be made will occur on Friday.
