Inside the United Steel Workers Union Hall Sunday, former Erie Coke employees shared their strategies for the next steps following the plant's closure last week, just days before the holiday season. The union filed eleven information requests and five grievances against their former employer.

"In light of filing those five grievances we've had six people get called back to finish the shutdown process," union representative Todd Clary said. "As long as there's one person in that facility they're still under contract." 

Erie Coke originally only hired a private company to complete the shutdown process. The company still being under contract with the union is important as well, considering many of the former employees will still be hoping to receive their normal pay this week. 

As that battle continues so does the mission to help the more than 100 skilled workers suddenly without jobs. Many still haven't been able to retrieve personal items from the plant. One person in the meeting mentioned that he had an interview set up for later this week but needed his tools that were locked in the now shutdown facility.

However, there was room for some optimism. Most said a Rapid Response meeting Friday helped provide them with valuable information.  Also, according to Clary some members have job interviews lined up, and the city is reaching out to local businesses to connect them with workers. There's other aid coming in as well.

"The Union Hall Local 3199 has graciously given everyone here a $100 gift card, and I've been in contact with the city and they're taking up collections and gifts from the community that we're going to pick up tomorrow and hopefully disperse to the membership to try to get them through this Christmas season," Clary said. 

Even with the help, getting through this holiday season will be a difficult task, but Clary and other union members are thankful for the community's continued support. 

"Look, it's a tough situation. The workers didn't ask for this," Clary said. Nonetheless, "the community has really rose to the occasion."

The City of Erie posted this note on their Facebook page for people who'd like to help the former employees. 

                             "Good evening. We have had several requests regarding how the community can directly and immediately assist the employees of Erie Coke.

                             City Hall will be open on Monday to receive donations in the lobby between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and on Tuesday between 8:30 a.m. and                                     Noon. The entrance at 626 State Street will be open on Monday. On both days, you can also enter via the 7th and Peach Street doors.

                            You can leave donations at the greeter’s desk, and we will make sure the workers get them.

                           Checks should be made payable to USW local 3199. The point of contact for donations, gifts, gift cards, food, or whatever moves you is Todd                                   Clary, who is the USW District 10 Rep. His cell is 724-699-7757 and his e-mail is tclary@usw.org.

                           We thank all residents for doing what they can to assist the Erie Coke employees during this holiday season."