KU Workers Authorize Strike, Demand Equal Treatment, Fair Contract from Utility

Kentucky- On August 24, workers at Kentucky Utilities represented by IBEW Local 2100 overwhelmingly voted to authorize strike action if they cannot reach a fair collective bargaining agreement with the company.

Local 2100 represents approximately 60 KU workers, including linemen, meter readers and clerks, and is calling on the company to stop stalling and get serious at the bargaining table.

“This strike authorization vote sends a clear message to Kentucky Utilities that it needs to treat its employees with dignity and respect and start bargaining in good faith,” said Local 2100 Business Manager Alex Vibbert.

IBEW-covered workers accuse the utility, owned by LG&E and KU Energy, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation, of treating them differently than non-union employees, including paying them less for doing the same work.

They also have filed unfair labor practice charges against KU for intimidation, including threats of layoffs and termination of health benefits.

“It’s not right that non-union workers doing the exact same work for the same company get paid more,” Vibbert said. “KU needs to treat all its employees the same, regardless of their union status. Our workers provide a crucial public service for communities across Kentucky and Virginia, and they deserve to be treated as the serious professionals they are.”

IBEW Local 2100 represents workers at LG&E, Kentucky Utilities/Old Dominion Power, Owen Electric, Shelby Energy and LU 369 Benefit Fund.