https://www.pahouse.com/Bizzarro/InTheNews/NewsRelease/?id=113252

ERIE, March 23 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, released the following statement today calling on Wabtec to adhere to CDC guidelines and do their part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. “The decision by Wabtec to remain open without properly protecting its workforce during this pandemic shows a lack of judgement and general disregard for its employees and our greater Erie community, as we all work together to limit the spread of COVID-19. Employee health, proper workplace disinfecting per the CDC guidelines, and social distancing should be fundamental concerns facing each and every business across Pennsylvania, particularly as non-life-sustaining entities. My office has received constituent calls from management and hourly employees about a lack of sanitizing protocols that could facilitate unnecessary spread of the COVID-19 virus. “While the PA Governor’s office has granted a waiver to Wabtec, with the health of our community in mind, I am calling Wabtec officials to take efforts to test every employee that arrives to work at the Erie County plant, sanitize the facility per CDC guidelines, and take the necessary steps to prepare the facility for employees to return to work safely (per CDC guidelines) and without anxiety of unnecessary exposure to them and their community. This virus outbreak is not a time for corporate America to put profits above people. These are our neighbors and families, and we must consider the dramatic spread that could unnecessarily be happening at this facility.”

BULLETIN March 21, 2020 Representatives and members of UE Local 506 and UE Local 618 wait for answers regarding the Covid-19 business shutdown. Wabtec has communicated that they have been in discussions with Governor Wolf's Office regarding his directive to close all non-life sustaining businesses and employees have been directed to report to work as scheduled Sunday and Monday. We have not received any further information currently on the matter from Wabtec. The company did state that they “will share such clarification from the Governors office with you once it is received”. The following press release from Governor Wolf was published yesterday regarding waivers and clarity. We are still uncertain if there have been changes since the release. We will keep you updated with any information that is provided regarding the situation. We appreciate your patience during these unprecedented times. Harrisburg, PA – Due to the high volume of waiver requests, the Wolf Administration is delaying enforcement of Governor Tom Wolf’s order and the Secretary of Health’s order that all non-life-sustaining businesses in Pennsylvania must close their physical locations to slow the spread of COVID-19. Per Governor Wolf’s and Dr. Levine’s orders, businesses that were non-life sustaining were ordered to close their physical locations on March 19, at 8:00 PM. This order stands, only the enforcement timing will change and become effective on Monday, March 23, at 8:00 AM. Those businesses requesting clarification on whether they are defined as life-sustaining should check this list, email the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) customer service resource account at ra-dcedcs@pa.gov, or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH and select option 1 to reach DCED staff. For businesses that determine from the list that they are non-life sustaining, but would like to seek a waiver, there is an online waiver application. When a business completes a waiver form, a team of professionals at DCED will review each request and respond based on the guiding principle of balancing public safety while ensuring the continued delivery of critical infrastructure services and functions. Those requesting a waiver will be notified via email if their operations may re-open. Businesses applying for a waiver must remain closed until a decision is made about their application. DCED offers working capital loans that could be of assistance to businesses impacted by COVID-19. Resources and information will be posted to http://dced.pa.gov/resourceshttp://dced.pa.gov/resources as they become available. Yesterday, Governor Wolf announced the availability of low-interest loans for small businesses and eligible non-profits in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, Pennsylvanians should follow www.governor.pa.govwww.governor.pa.gov and www.doh.pa.gov. www.doh.pa.gov

The PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has established a new resource account where businesses and staff can submit questions on exemptions to the closure of physical locations for non-life-sustaining businesses in the Commonwealth. Questions about exemptions may be sent to: ra-dcexemption@pa.govra-dcexemption@pa.gov At least initially, the e-mail address will be used to expedite answers to whether businesses on the non-life-sustaining list of closures are exempt and may continue to operate. Other exemption questions are, however, welcome. For more COVID-19 business information, DCED has set up a web site that continually will be updated as information becomes available: https://dced.pa.gov/resources/ Please distribute to members and have them inquire .

  The Union is waiting on Wabtec’s plan to comply with Governor Tom Wolf’s directive to close all non-life-sustaining businesses to prevent the spread of Covid -19. We appreciate everyone’s patience during these uncertain times. The Union will continue to provide updates and information as it becomes available. Please respect the situation and comply with the guidelines in place to ensure your family and our community stays safe and healthy. It is with great hope that everyone does their part to flatten the curve of Covid-19 from spreading so we can return to work as soon as possible. If you are not receiving the Unions text blasts and would like to please text 814-402-8602.Please continue to monitor uelocal506.com for updates.

Bulletin 3/18/20 COVID-19 UPDATE

It is impossible to think or talk about anything today outside of COVID-19. While we are all doing our part to limit the spread of the virus, we want you to know that we are on your side and we will continue to communicate with you as any new information becomes available. We are following the PA Department of Health @PAHealthDept on Twitter and @GovernorWolf on Facebook as the most direct source of factual, up-to-the-minute information, and encourage you to access these government resources.

    We understand the stress that this rapidly evolving public health crisis is real, but we must all do our best to remain calm and follow the guidelines. If you or someone in your family are feeling anxious or overwhelmed by COVID-19 — you are not alone. It is okay to reach out for help. If you need someone to talk to, text PA to 741-741. It’s free, confidential and available 24/7.     Currently, the Erie Wabtec facility remains a low risk or what is classified as a “negligible” site. We continue to monitor this closely and will quickly communicate any change in status directly to you. As we see the number of positive tests increase across the region, we must all do our part to take the necessary precautions in preventing the spread of Covid-19.     Governor Wolf is taking decisive measures to prevent the Covid-19 virus from spreading including the closure of non-critical business on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. As you know, our industry is considered an essential service or sector identified by the government and will remain operational. The Governor is relying on businesses to follow all precautionary measures to mitigate the spread of Covid-19. As individuals, it is crucial that we all continue to do our part to protect ourselves, our families, and, by extension, our community.     With our members’ health in mind, the Executive Board discussed concerns that hand sanitizer is not available and considered all precautions that could be taken to support our members who are doing their part to limit the spread of COVID-19.     Yesterday, the lack of access to hand sanitizer was raised during the Wabtec “all hands” conference call. The company is addressing the issue. In the meantime, and per the CDC, washing your hands regularly is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself.   We encourage every employee to read and follow the CDC, OSHA and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines on how to protect yourself.     CDC, OSHA, PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH GUIDELINES   • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 60 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.   • Cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow. Do not use your hands!   • Clean surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones, remotes, and other frequently touched items.   • Contain: if you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better.   • For more information go to   https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx\   https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html     The discussions with the Executive board resulted in several additional measures that we think the company should consider to further mitigate exposure. We will request that the company implement the following during this public health crisis:   • T-low all non-essential employees and require anyone who can work from home to do so.   • Provide all employees with disinfectant spray and wipes and provide additional time to wipe down tools and machines at shift changes.   • Facilitate 6’0” of separation between employees.   • Schedule staggered breaks.   • Shift schedules to straight eight hours.   • Request volunteers to work over 3 shifts to reduce exposure.   • Implement rolling lack of works at 50% of the workforce.  

NOTE: Effective March 13, 2020 -April 12, 2020 employees who call off at least one hour before their scheduled start time will not be assessed attendance points and will not be required to use their paid time off if they choose not to. In addition, if an employee is at work and needs to leave because they are ill the same will apply. As a reminder, the call-off number is (814)875-4000.

Bulletin 3/17/20 COVID-19 UPDATE

As the number of Coronavirus cases continues to surge the Union and Company are in daily contact discussing concerns and solutions. The Erie facility is considered low risk currently and will be monitored closely for a change in status. The Company has indicated that they are implementing measures to address the need to limit unnecessary contact and preventing the spread of the virus.

Some precaution’s that are being taken currently:

• Smaller groups for muster meetings.

• Staggering break time.

• No more than two people at break tables, eating outside common areas.

• Increased GEI cleaning schedules for the facility and shared equipment

You should follow these precautions to help prevent the spread:

• Stay home if you are sick. If you are sick call Lincoln Financial at

1-844-829-5509 to open a short-term disability claim. NOTE: Effective March 13, 2020 -April 12, 2020 employees who call off at least one hour before their scheduled start time will not be assessed attendance points and will not be required to use their paid time off if they choose not to. In addition, if an employee is at work and needs to leave because they are ill the same will apply. As a reminder the call-off number is (814)875-4000.

• If people are visibly sick, they are being directed to see their doctors.

• If people are feeling ill, and have any of these symptoms’ coughs, shortness of breath or fever they should call (814)875-2034 before entering the Medical Center. One of the staff will meet you at the door

• Stop Shaking hands when saying hello or greeting other people.

• Distance Yourself at least 6 feet away from others as much as possible. There should be no more than 2 people per lunch table to maintain a 6-foot distance. • Reduce social interaction.

• Stay In your designated work area to limit interaction.

• Wash Your hands often with soap and water for at least 60 seconds.

• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer prior to entering break rooms to avoid contamination.

• Disinfect your cell phone and PPE on a regular basis

• Cover Your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow/sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

• Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Clean Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The company has created a coronavirus website to keep employees informed. Employees who don’t have Wabtec Email can access the site by using the email Wabtecuser@watec.com and passwordWab@12345. Please continue to monitor uelocal506.com for updates.

https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Compensation/Pages/default.aspx     Workers' Compensation Services COVID-19 Workers' Compensation Guidance On March 6, 2020, Governor Tom Wolf issued an emergency disaster declaration throughout the commonwealth due to the new coronavirus known as COVID-19. Because Pennsylvanians might be exposed to COVID-19 in the workplace, we are providing important Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation guidance regarding filing options and claims. Two Filing Options for COVID-19 Option 1: An employee can file a typical “disease-as-injury” workers’ compensation claim, which would require the employee to provide medical evidence that they were exposed to COVID-19 in the workplace. Employees must provide this type of evidence for all injury-related claims. Option 2: An employee could file an “occupational disease” workers’ compensation claim, which would require showing that COVID-19 is occurring more in the employee’s industry or occupation than in the general population, such as the healthcare industry. Visit the SWIF page for information on processing COVID-19 Claims.

Please click Blue link below for more information

Membership meeting cancelled 3-16-20

  March Membership Meetings Cancelled In order to comply with CDC guidance regarding mass gatherings, the Union is canceling March, Membership meetings. The special election for Sergeant at Arms will be postponed until further notice. We will continue to keep members informed through bulletins in the shop, online or text blast if necessary. All nonessential travel for the National, Regional, and Local Union have also been suspended until further notice. Regional meetings and Labor Notes conference have been suspended until further notice. The Officers and Executive Board encourages everyone to stay safe and follow the guidelines as directed. Go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html  for additional information. Michael T. Ferritto UE Local 506 Business Agent 3923 Main Street Erie, Pa.16511 P (814) 899-3108 F (814)899-0666 E ue506ba@gmail.com