After about 2 months of striking, UE 506 is set to return to work at Wabtec tomorrow, September 5th - the day after Labor Day.

While contract talks may have ended, some feel there's a lot of work to be done in the future. 

"We're asking for a percentage wage increases we're asking and for pensions, we're asking for better health care - these are things that we had in the seventies that in 2023 we're asking for again," said Ricky Steele, UE 506 Executive Board Member at Large.

"We're taxpayers. If we're not making any money, then how are we supposed to support our local churches, our local community agencies, and that type of thing? We're not shy about helping out, but we also have to have the money to be able to help out."

Other local leaders are glad to see UE 506 returning to work, but agree that there's still a lot to be done to improve union strength. 

"They call it the summer of strikes, and with good reason," said State Representative Pat Harkins, who represents District 1.

In recent months, Hollywood has been brought to it's knees due to strikes from the Writer's Guild of America, and the actor's union, SAG-AFTRA. Additionally, the United Auto Workers are expected to strike, according to CNBC; and UPS recently came close to a strike. 

"There's a number of people who have been pushed down over the years," continued Harkins. "The pendulum always swings and [it's] swinging back in favor of the working people, as it should... I'll continue to be an unwavering champion for any unions."

State Representative Bob Merski, of District 2, says he feels the recent rise in strikes are a sign of changing times. 

"The American workers are waking up to the fact that they have power and strength in numbers," said Merski. "Workers are demanding more because they see that companies are getting a bigger piece of the pie and they just want to share in the value that they create for these companies."

The new deal between Wabtec and UE 506 keeps the company's progressive wage scale, and makes changes to the union's grievance process.

It also call for a $1,500 signing bonus, and a total of more than 12% in raises. 

The latest contract will last four years, until 2027.