Wabtec-union negotiations set to begin; both sides hopeful about talks
Scott Slawson, who has been the president of Local 506 since 2014, said he's hopeful the union and the company can come to an agreement before the June 9 deadline without a work stoppage.
"We would never enter into negotiations with the intent of a lockout or strike. If you think that is what is going to happen, you are approaching it all wrong."
The threat of the strike is a powerful tool, one that Slawson doesn't intend to surrender before talks have begun.
"Our No. 1 goal is to get a contract," he said. "But there is a reason they call it a struggle. If you think things aren't going satisfactorily, at some point withholding your labor is always a real possibility."