In the days after it began the strike and its long-term effect on the union members began to become apparent when the unions urged members to apply for unemployment, claiming the work stoppage is a lockout because no agreement was reached before Wabtec took over GE Transportation. If Pennsylvania officials agree with the union, the 1700 workers out in the picket line would be eligible for unemployment benefits, otherwise they would get essentially nothing. Wabtec says the work stoppage is a strike.
While there were no negotiations on contracts between Wabtec and the unions they did sit down to negotiate something else, the rules of the picket line. The union already had their own rules put out to the picket line officers as to maintaining a peaceful line, though both sides negotiated that no more than 10 members could be in a picket line near company gates and the rest should be across the street. Wabtec indicated it would not move on its position to change wages but still urged the members to go back to work, reinforcing its position that it is not a lockout.
While they tried to implement the 10 in the line policy, this did not stop hundreds of other supporters to come out in support of the unions on March 3 garnering national attention. Supporters included local and national union members, some in full work uniforms. Local restaurants and stores also sent food for the strikers, at one time the local Walmart ran out of sandwich making essentials for the cause. More such displays of solidarity are expected as the strike continues.
While all this was going on by March 4 Wabtec was trying to show that it could maintain its newest addition despite the labor troubles. Norfolk Southern AC44C6M No. 4176 was interchanged with NS as NS was promised they would be shipped now. Railroad crews who were supposed to pick it up were told by radio that they should not pick it up while the strike was going on. NS officials declined to comment in an email to Trains.
On Monday, Wabtec also tested NS No. 4177 and Union Pacific Nos. 6065 and 7015 (a C44ACWM) and paid security aboard to maintain safety. Inside the plant, some work was being performed by salaried and temporary workers. According the to the Erie Times-News, Wabtec indicated that work will be sent to its own Boise, Idaho, facility which is much smaller and has fewer workers than the Erie plant.
The Erie Times-News reports that labor leaders and Wabtec officials are scheduled to meet on Wednesday to discuss the strike.
For anyone interested at this late date, the interim agreement for the duration of the 90-day negotiation period essentially extends the old contract UE 506 had with GE. Talks have occured on “non-economic issues” in the time since with general agreement between the parties. More work is required but if it continues in this vein, a workable contract should be doable. With a healthy order book to be filled
, now is not the time to stage a no-win contest.
Mr. Conway champions that lackey mentality for workers that is so prized and sought after by greedy company CEOs which they like to see instilled in their employees. Let’s hear it for the 1%. “All for us and maybe a just little something for them if we feel like it!”
It sounds as though Mr. Conway has never experienced his wages getting cut by 50% overnight…
That’s right Sheeple, listen to your big fat-cat union bosses and strike yourselves right out of a job. You do know that there ARE other plants out there who will be happy to have the work you are doing?
The artist formerly known as VRC.
I’m with the union!
But now known as jerk
Seems as if Mr. Conaway is a anti-union trump lover who knows nothing.