Scott Slawson: “But if we can't reach an agreement, the membership will decide the next step.”

The courtship between Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp. and its future unionized workforce in Erie has hit a rough patch.

On Wednesday, just five days before the scheduled merger of GE Transportation and Wabtec, Local 506 of the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America at GE Transportation announced it would schedule a strike authorization vote for Saturday as collective bargaining with Wabtec continued to go poorly.

In a news release, the union, which represents more than 1,600 employees, explained its rationale: "Wabtec, which is taking over the operations of GE Transportation on Monday, is insisting on massive concessions from the largest union in the division, which could affect operations at the division's most profitable plant."

According to negotiation updates that the UE has posted on its website, Wabtec, based in the Pittsburgh suburb of Wilmerding, has agreed to maintain the pay scale of existing employees. However, Wabtec, which will absorb GE Transportation as a wholly-owned subsidiary, has proposed that new employees, as well as those recalled to work, would receive substantially less.

According to the union, Wabtec is also calling for mandatory overtime, changes in shift differential, reductions in paid time off and the elimination of grievance procedures.

A spokesman for Wabtec said Wednesday that "We are disappointed with the UE 506 and 618's response to our proposed initial terms and conditions in Erie, which will be implemented at the closing of our transaction with GE Transportation."

Wabtec said in a prepared statement Wednesday that it will continue to offer "a best-in-class wage and benefits package across the Erie area (which maintains a legacy average wage rate of $35 per hour). Wabtec will continue to offer a competitive 401K plan, comprehensive medical, dental and vision package, and accrued personal paid time off — comparable to what UE employees have today."

And while Wabtec and the UE have been negotiating for a couple weeks, Wabtec echoed a theme that General Electric has been repeating for years, particularly during contract negotiations.

"Erie is GE Transportation's least competitive site and it has been for years," Wabtec said. "GE and Wabtec have been very transparent with the UE on the need to get cost competitive."

The Wabtec statement continued: "Wabtec has explained that the Company is interested in improving manufacturing operations at the Erie plant. The Company has proposed certain work rules changes that are in line with the terms that have been in use for years by Wabtec at its facility in Wilmerding, Pa., where employees are also represented by the UE."

Slawson was in negotiations Wednesday and could not be reached for comment.

He did explain the union's position in a statement to the news media, however.

"Under the current agreement with GE, UE members run a highly profitable plant, and are rewarded with good jobs and the freedom to spend time with their families and contribute to their community," Slawson said. "If Wabtec insists on imposing mandatory overtime, a lower wage scale for new hires, and bringing in temporary workers, they will be destroying a proven effective and profitable model that made General Electric the most successful locomotive builder in the world."

He continued: "We are eager to work with Wabtec to ensure that this plant remains highly profitable. But if we can't reach an agreement, the membership will decide the next step. The union has made arrangements to take a strike authorization vote on Saturday, if necessary, in case an agreement is not reached before then."

Single-page fliers distributed by the union to its members earlier this week, one of which was obtained by the Erie Times-News, said if no agreement is reached by the union by Monday, employees will have to punch in to accept employment with Wabtec.

When 50 percent of the membership, plus one person, has punched in for the day, UE 506 will be recognized as the bargaining agent for workers at the Erie plant.

According to the flier, "We will be a recognized union without a contract. As a union, we can strike at any time after that date."

It's unclear if scheduling a strike vote is a strategic move or a prelude to an unpleasant start to a relationship with new owners.

What is clear is that the union seems to be making plans. The UE 506 Facebook page on Wednesday included a complete page of picket line instructions.

Erie Mayor Joe Schember said Wednesday he had no special information about the negotiations.

"Neither side has talked to me at all," he said. "I hope they don't end up striking. I hope a deal can be made. I would be happy to help. It's a real important thing for the entire region. I certainly hope they can come together on an agreement that works for both of them."

Jim Martin can be reached at 870-1668 or by email. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ETNMartin.