Steele: Union workers deserve support in Duquesne Light negotiations
Recent storms and power outages underscore need for qualified workers
Rep. Mandy Steele September 23, 2026 | 2:26 PM
HARRISBURG, Sept. 23 — Recent storms fueled by disruptive new weather patterns -- and the accompanying power outages that result -- underscore that utility workers need good contracts that keep qualified workers on the job to protect residents, state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, said today.
Steele’s comments came after the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 29 voted to authorize a strike amid ongoing contract negotiations with Duquesne Light Co. The union’s current contract with the utility provider expires Sept. 30.
“Line work is brutal and dangerous work,” Steele said. “And storms today are more frequent and more severe. We owe our utility workers a tremendous debt -- not a contract battle. Utility companies should not be trying to cut corners at the expense of workers when the stakes are so high for the workers and our residents.”
Specifically, Steele said she backs the union on negotiation issues that include:
- Placing non-qualified workers in leadership roles, which puts line workers and the public at risk.
- The proposed transitioning of the utility’s call center to AI, which would mean callers can’t reach a real person in an emergency.
- Reliance on fewer in-house lineman jobs while the utility company increases reliance on out-of-state contractors.
“We need the most qualified people in leadership roles, and we need real people manning our call centers, and we need more qualified line workers,” Steele said. “I represent a lot of people who are frustrated with unpredictable weather and extended power outages, and I’m flabbergasted that this contract negotiation has reached this point.”