UE Local 506 is reporting "little progress" in negotiations with Wabtec as the closing date approaches for its merger with GE Transportation. It also said the gap is widening between both parties, according to an update provided to union members Thursday.

The union said it is concerned about Wabtec weakening protections for workers because the company wants to rewrite all of the language in the current contract.

The UE negotiating committee said it has maintained throughout negotiations that Wabtec should honors the existing terms and conditions of the existing agreement until a "fair and equitable" contract can be negotiated.

UE Local 506 also said its stewards will be circulating strike contact sheets to gather contact information for members, and letters of support and solidarity for its members are being sent from its international union allies around the world to Wabtec's CEO.

Wabtec said the terms of the new agreement would keep existing pay rates for all current workers and "position the plant for greater flexibility and potential growth."

The company said it has also successfully negotiated new contracts with several other unions that will go into effect when the merger is scheduled to close Feb. 25.

The UE negotiating committee said it will meet again with Wabtec on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Wabtec's full statement to Erie News Now

"Wabtec is continuing discussions with the UE 506 and 618 leadership at GE Transportation regarding new employment terms and conditions, which will be implemented at the closing of our merger. The terms will maintain existing wage rates for all current employees and position the plant for greater flexibility and potential growth.  As of today, several unions including the IBEW, IUE, IFPTE, and EIAGPPE have negotiated new collective bargaining agreements that are effective upon the close of the merger.  We appreciate their support. We are eager to reach similar resolve with the UE 506 and Local 618 to drive stability and growth at the Erie site."

Union's update on negotiations