The strike enters its second week, but Wabtec Corp. and striking union members will return to bargaining table July 6 with a federal mediator.
Jim MartinErie Times-News
Striking workers at Erie's Wabtec Corp. plant picketed for hours earlier this week in driving rains.
On Wednesday, as the strike entered its seventh day, members of the United Electrical, Radio and Machines Workers of America found themselves walking through a smoky haze thanks to ongoing Canadian wildfires.
A few picketing workers described air conditions as unpleasant. But none of those who spoke with the Erie Times-News suggested that the weather, the air or worries about their jobs or income would keep them off the picket line.
Back to the table
Progress — or at least hope for breaking the logjam — could now be on the horizon.
Tim Bader, a spokesman for Wabtec, said late Wednesday afternoon that the company and union have agreed to meet July 6 with the assistance of a federal mediator. The 10 a.m. meeting also was announced on the UE 506 website.
The two parties haven't spoken formally since June 10 when Wabtec and the UE met on a Saturday, extending six weeks of negotiations by one day. At that point, the two parties appeared to remain far apart on a number of issues, including wage increases and the company's progressive wage structure for new employees.
The current strike began after the UE, which has more than 1,400 members working at the former GE Transportation plant in Erie, voted to reject the company's most recent offer.
'It's been very emotional'
Union members, who asked that their names not be used, said they have been encouraged by the support of public officials, other unions and the community at large.
Early on Wednesday, union linemen working for Penelec stopped their trucks, with the flashing lights on, outside the plant as a show of support, according to UE members.
"It was really something," one of the union members said.
Members of Ironworkers 851 who work at Erie Strayer were expected to join UE members on the picket line Wednesday afternoon. Members of the UE had joined Ironworkers last fall when they struck Erie Strayer for 11 weeks.
According to the UE 506 website, members of Local 56 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers are expected to join striking Wabtec workers on the picket lines on Saturday.
Last year: Striking Erie Strayer workers 'dug in' as push for better wages, benefits continues
Union members stressed Wednesday that they didn't relish being on strike.
"It's been very emotional, all the stuff we have been going through," one union member said. "Everyone here would rather be inside (the plant) working at their job."
Several expressed confidence, however, that their efforts would lead to a better agreement with Wabtec, which bought the former GE Transportation in February of 2019.
"I feel certain it will," one of them said.
Political support
Support for the union's position also has come from Sen. John Fetterman and Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Also weighing in was Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, who visited the picket line earlier this week.
According to the union, Davis said, "You were the essential workers that went to work during COVID, right? Everybody talked about how you were heroes, right? Well we can't just say it with our words. We have to say it with our actions. We have to pay you fairly."
Davis also sent a letter to Wabtec CEO Rafael Santana. He wrote: "I stand alongside these union workers and request your return to the bargaining table and an end to union-busting tactics."
Some things were unclear before Wednesday, including why the two parties had not returned to the bargaining table. In a letter sent to the union on Monday, Wabtec wrote; "Wabtec remains willing to meet with the UE with the assistance of the FMCS mediator. If, as you state in your strike bulletin, the UE is now ready to return to the bargaining table, I suggest you contact the FMCS mediator to make arrangements for a meeting."
Meanwhile, Scott Slawson, president of UE Local 506, said that representatives from locals 506 an 618 were prepared to meet at any time.
Slawson concluded his letter: "We look forward to seeing you at the negotiating table, whenever Wabtec is ready."
More: Wabtec wins $1 billion order; what does it mean for Erie plant?
More: Union leaders call for a strike at Erie's Wabtec plant
Contact Jim Martin atjmartin@timesnews.com.
