Republican Senate candidate Dave McCormick recently visited a glass factory in Charleroi that is closing down, putting 300 people out of work. The century-old Anchor Hocking factory, which has been operating since 1892, is being shut down by its corporate owner, Corelle Brand, and moving operations to Ohio. McCormick expressed his solidarity with the workers and their families, vowing to fight to keep their jobs in Charleroi. This closure follows the shutdowns of steel mills and coal mines in the Mon Valley region in the 1980s.
United Steelworkers Local 53G Vice President Daniele Byrne, whose family has a long history with the factory, emphasized the devastating impact the closure would have on the local community. McCormick, drawing on his own experiences with factory closures in his hometown, stated his commitment to fighting for the workers at Anchor Hocking until they achieve victory. His visit was a part of his campaign’s Price of Poor Leadership Tour, aimed at highlighting the struggles of working-class Pennsylvanians and criticizing incumbent Senator Bob Casey’s leadership over the years.
The workers at the Anchor Hocking factory expressed their appreciation for McCormick’s visit, with many feeling neglected by Democratic politicians such as Casey, Fetterman, and Shapiro. Erin Guzik, whose boyfriend is a plant supervisor at the factory, mentioned that she had reached out to Democratic officials for help but did not receive any response. While still undecided about her vote in the upcoming elections, Guzik said she is leaning towards supporting McCormick due to his show of support for the workers at Anchor Hocking.
Senator Bob Casey sent a letter to Anchor Hocking’s CEO questioning the company’s decision to close the factory and the regulatory processes involved in the closure. Local union leaders, including Byrne, have accused Anchor Hocking of unfair market practices and called for an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission. McCormick has also expressed his support for an FTC investigation into the closure, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding the decision-making process that affected the lives of hundreds of workers in Charleroi.
During his visit to the factory, McCormick criticized Senator Casey for not doing enough to support local industries and manufacturing jobs in Pennsylvania. He highlighted the challenges faced by businesses due to inflation and regulatory burdens. McCormick accused Casey of failing to address these issues and not taking action to protect jobs in communities like Charleroi. Casey’s campaign spokeswoman responded by labeling McCormick as a product of Wall Street greed, putting the blame on him for the situation at Anchor Hocking.
In conclusion, McCormick’s visit to the Anchor Hocking factory in Charleroi highlights the ongoing struggle of working-class Pennsylvanians in the face of industrial closures and the shifting economic landscape. The closure of the century-old glass factory has prompted calls for transparency and accountability from both local union leaders and political candidates. McCormick’s show of support for the workers at Anchor Hocking has resonated with many in the community, drawing attention to the challenges faced by manufacturing workers in Pennsylvania. The upcoming elections will be crucial for the future of these communities, as voters decide on candidates who they believe will fight for their best interests.
