Workers and leaders rally to save Charleroi glass plant closure

On a Friday morning in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, approximately 100 individuals gathered to protest the announced closure of the Anchor Hocking glass plant. This rally was organized by workers and local leaders who are urging Corelle Brands, the parent company, to reconsider their decision to relocate jobs and machinery to Lancaster, Ohio. The closure poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of many families in the community, as numerous employees have relatives working at the plant. Union representatives, including vice president Daniele Byrne, emphasized the personal impact of the closure, highlighting that many workers are integral to their families' financial stability. Local officials, including Charleroi Councilmember Larry Celaschi, called for negotiations with company leadership, expressing their determination to fight for the workers' rights and jobs. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick also attended the rally, criticizing the lack of action from U.S. Senator Bob Casey's office regarding the situation. Senator Casey attributed the plant's closure to corporate greed and has reached out to Anchor Hocking's CEO, seeking clarification on the financial motivations behind the decision. He has yet to receive a response. The borough manager has been proactive in exploring potential companies that could occupy the factory space if the current operations cannot be sustained. The rally reflects a broader concern about the impact of corporate decisions on local communities, emphasizing that these issues extend beyond mere job numbers to affect the very fabric of family and community life in Charleroi.