Sen. John Fetterman, local leaders appear Monday at Erie UE rally attended by hundreds

The planned appearance of U.S. Sen. John Fetterman seemed to be the spark that drew hundreds of striking union members at Wabtec to Napier Park in Lawrence Park shortly before noon on Monday.

But members of the United Electrical Radio and Machine Workers of America, who have been on strike since June 22, didn't seem to need Fetterman to summon enthusiasm for their cause.

Many of the nearly 1,400 striking union members, who carried signs and wore a variety of strike-themed T-shirts, made a dramatic entrance after walking to the park from their respective picket locations along Franklin Avenue, East Lake Road and Water Street.

Union members, who called out loudly: 'Who are We? UE,' filled the right lane of East Lake Road as their numbers grew louder as they marched to the park.

The union membership also repeatedly chanted: "One day longer, one day stronger."

Fetterman, who wore his signature dark-colored shorts and T-shirt, sported a fresh look Monday after recently shaving his familiar goatee, leaving behind a moustache.

Fetterman, who concluded the rally with brief remarks, continued to display signs of the stroke he had in May of 2022. Some words came out haltingly and not necessarily in the order that the first-term senator might have intended.

But Fetterman received a warm welcome from a friendly crowd as he pledged his continued support for their efforts.

Fetterman, who has worked to raise money for the union strike fund, said "One of the most amazing and powerful things ever invented is called a union."

UE 506 President Scott Slawson said Monday's crowd "speaks to the power of a U.S. senator." He also praised Fetterman for his support of the union at a time when he's working to overcome his own health challenges.

A substantial list of other speakers spoke at Monday's rally, including numerous local union leaders and political figures, including Erie County Council Chairman Brian Shank and Jasmine Flores and Susannah Faulkner of Erie City Council.

Flores praised the union for taking a tough stance.

"You are all setting the agenda for whatever we deserve," Faulkner said, adding that the union is working to ensure that the "rising tide lifts all boats, not just the yachts."

Other speakers included Jim Wertz, chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party, and Jenny Tompkins of the environmental group PennFuture.

Bargaining between Wabtec and its union workforce is expected to continue Tuesday and Wednesday.

Contact Jim Martin at jmartin@timesnews.com.