Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) releases a statement following the announcement of GE layoffs in Erie, PA.
“The announcement of 1,500 layoffs at GE in Erie is terrible news. The workers and families impacted by these layoffs will bear the heaviest burden and the economy of all of Northwestern Pennsylvania will be adversely affected. For years, these workers have labored to make GE a successful company, producing the best locomotives in the world. As I have indicated directly to GE CEO Jamie Miller, GE has an abiding obligation to help these workers receive the resources and training they need to find future employment. My office has been in communication with the Local United Electrical Workers 506. Earlier this week, I spoke with White House Chief of Staff, Denis McDonough, to urge the Administration to focus intensively on the situation at GE’s Erie facility. Yesterday, I sent a letter to the U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan, George Krol, urging him to work to expand U.S. exports to Kazakhstan which could help increase activity at GE in Erie since it is a hub for the company’s international business. I will continue to press the Administration and GE to take steps that will increase the likelihood that the number of work orders for locomotives will increase so these workers can get back on the job. Congress must reauthorize the Export-Import Bank which has a substantial impact on GE. Congress should not allow bigger tractor trailers on our roads due to the significant safety risks and because this policy will undercut GE’s rail business. I will continue to press GE to commit to adding jobs in Erie when business activity increases.”
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