Joined by colleagues Delloso and Malagari
Rep. Patrick J. Harkins June 2, 2020 | 7:54 PM
ERIE, June 2 – In response to news that the cashless, electronic toll system the Pennsylvania Turnpike implemented in March will become permanent — resulting in the immediate layoff of about 500 workers – state Rep. Pat Harkins released the following statement, also on behalf of Teamster President and state Rep. Dave Delloso, D-Delaware, and Teamster member and state Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery.
“This is heartbreaking. The governor and the Turnpike Commission had an agreement with the toll takers to phase out operations in 2022, but in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the commission voted to do away with these workers immediately.
“These workers were expecting to return to work soon and were caught completely off guard. They understood that their jobs were being phased out, but they were led to believe that they would have time to plan ahead, and they were relying on that assurance. Instead, they had the rug pulled out from under them.
“This could have been done as a phased response on a shorter timeline. It didn’t have to happen overnight.”
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates...
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email Rep. Patrick J. Harkins.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
460 E. 26th St.Erie, PA 16504-2860
P*: (814) 459-1949
F*: (814) 871-4854
Hours of Operation - Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
331 Irvis Office Bldg.PO Box 202001Harrisburg, PA 17120-2001
P*: (717) 787-7406
F*: (717) 780-4775