Erie, P.A. – The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership is urging the community to welcome Wabtec and recognize the opportunity for a fresh start.
“Like much of our community, I am excited to welcome Wabtec to Erie,” says James Grunke, CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. “They’ll find this is a tremendous place to do business with hardworking people committed to seeing the community thrive.
A supportive environment is a critical component to that initiative, something Grunke is concerned may be overlooked if the local union and Wabtec cannot reach an amicable solution. Wabtec has successfully negotiated similar contracts with local unions in other communities.
“I’m concerned that through the actions of the local union to strike, we’re not making a very good first impression, either to Wabtec or to other businesses interested in setting up roots here,” said Grunke. “For many years, General Electric was a mainstay in the local economy, providing sustainable jobs and being a true catalyst to small business growth within Erie. I’m hopeful Union members return to work quickly and urge the two parties to continue discussions to resolve this matter – our community is watching.”
