Joint Statement of New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Eastern Territory General Vice President Jim Conigliaro thanking Governor Cuomo for supporting workers at the former Dresse

Albany – Today, Mario Cilento president of the New York State AFL-CIO thanked Governor Andrew Cuomo for his support of the 250 union members who work at the former Dresser-Rand manufacturing plant in Wellsville, New York.

“Governor Cuomo, as he has done so many times before, recognizes not only the value of the workforce at the plant but the economic impact those jobs have on the region,” Cilento said. 

“He is proving once again, through his actions, his commitment to fight for good jobs in our communities and to hold accountable those who put profits before people.”

Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) were blindsided by news that Siemens plans to close the more than 100-year old Dresser-Rand manufacturing plant in Wellsville, New York.

“The IAM represents 250 highly skilled workers who now face losing their jobs as a result of the planned closing,” said Jim Conigliaro Sr., general vice president of the IAM Eastern Territory.

“We thank Governor Cuomo for once again stepping up on behalf working men and women, and on behalf of the entire community that will be impacted by the closure,” Conigliaro added.

Governor Cuomo has reached out to Siemens CEO Lisa Davis urging her to reconsider the decision to close, and to work with him on a plan to keep the facility open. In the letter, the governor pointed out the significant economic support the state has provided to Dresser-Rand.

“Dresser-Rand benefitted from multiple economic development grants, including one for $500,000 to build a new facility in Olean, New York,” added Cilento.

“The company now owes it to the workers and the region to take the governor up on his offer to work with him toward a plan that will keep the plant open, save jobs and avoid economic hardship in the community.”

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The New York State AFL-CIO is a federation of 3,000 affiliated public sector, private sector, and building trades unions throughout the state representing 2.5 million members, retirees and their families. Our State Federation, which is the largest and most diverse in the country, is committed to helping working families achieve a better life. For more information on the Labor Movement in New York, visit www.nysaflcio.org.