After Calls With Top Officials at GE, UE506 Casey Sends Letter Urging Extended Deadline If Needed
Washington DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) sent a letter to Lorenzo Simonelli, President and CEO of GE Transportation, and Scott Duke, President of UE506, urging them to consider extending talks beyond the deadline of July 1st in the hopes that the parties will come together on an agreement that preserves the maximum number of jobs in Erie. Yesterday, Senator Casey personally spoke with both Simonelli and Duke and reiterated the importance of taking all necessary steps to protect Erie’s economy from significant job loss at GE.
“Should it be necessary, I’m urging both sides to agree to an extended deadline beyond July 1st that will allow the GE and UE506 to engage in productive discussions that will save jobs,” Senator Casey said. “The stakes are substantial. It’s critical that enough time is given to these negotiations in order to protect jobs in Erie and ensure GE remains a driver of Northwestern Pennsylvania’s economy.”
The full text of Casey’s letter is below:
Mr. Scott Duke Mr. Lorenzo Simonelli
President President and CEO
UE 506 GE Transportation
3923 Main Street 2901 East Lake Road 14-500
Erie, PA 16511 Lawrence Park, PA 16531
Dear Mr. Duke and Mr. Simonelli:
I appreciated having the opportunity to speak with you both individually yesterday about the ongoing negotiations between UE 506 and GE Transportation. We all share the common goal of keeping jobs in Erie. As negotiations continue this week, it is my hope that productive conversations take place that result in preserving nearly 1,000 jobs in the region.
If more time is needed to achieve this objective, I urge you to extend the negotiation period further. I reiterate once more my offer of support and assistance.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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