GE Transportation plans to end most locomotive production at its century-old plant in northwestern Pennsylvania, eliminating about 575 jobs.
GoErie.com reports the work is being transferred by the end of 2018 to Fort Worth where workers aren't union members.
The Lawrence Park Township plant, just outside Erie, currently employs more than 2,500 workers. Locomotive prototypes will still be produced there.
Richard Simpson, a GE Transportation executive, said the company has to put work at its most competitive location, which doesn't include Erie.
He said about 225 workers at the Fort Worth plant will be recalled and as many as 200 other jobs will be created elsewhere.
Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott said he's disappointed.
Scott Slawson, the president of the Local 506 of the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America, calls the cuts "union busting" and says the company simply wants to pay the lowest wages possible.
