There’s been a changing of the guard for one of the largest labor unions in Erie County.
For the first time in more than a decade, the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (Local UE 506) at Erie’s Wabtec plant have a new leader.
Ryan Mudger has been elected to serve as the next president of Local UE 506.
The Meadville native joined the union back in 2008, working his way up through the ranks.
“Started out as an alternate steward, then a steward in the building,” said Mudger. Â “Went to a chief plant steward in building 18, and last month got elected and sworn in as president of the Local 506.”
Mudger takes over for Scott Slawson, who served as president since 2014, leading the union through two strikes in 2019 and 2023.
Slawson will now serve as the president of the national UE, representing 40,000 members.
Meanwhile, Mudger says he’s ready for his new role.
“It’s a lot of responsibility,” said Mudger. Â “You’re representing the union membership. Â 1,200 members in the plant, so it’s a lot.”
Mudger takes over as the locomotive industry faces impact from tariffs.
“Getting things into the country now, seems to be the issue, so just getting parts to our plant,” said Mudger. Â “Wabtec is working through that process, but it’s also going to raise the price of locomotives.”
Mudger hopes to improve union membership, while protecting workers’ wages and benefits.
“We’d like to see more work come back to Erie,” said Mudger. Â “That’s what we want to see. Â We want to see Erie grow, and we want to be here for the community, and help the community out and help it grow.”