Steelworkers Strike Against Firestone

S T. L O U I S, Aug. 18 -- The United Steelworkers of America union said today it has issued a strike notice to Bridgestone/Firestone, creating another, potentially severe, burden for the tire maker since its recent massive recall of faulty tires.

The union said contract extension agreements covering more than 8,000 workers at the facilities will terminate in14 days.

The union said the company presented a proposal on Tuesday that fell short of resolving critical issues identified bythe membership.

Negotiations have been ongoing since March.

“It’s time to bring these negotiations to a conclusion,” said John Sellers, chairman of the union’s bargaining council. “We expect intensive bargainingto continue. If an agreement is not reached during this time, a strike at every location is most probable.”

The USWA said it is seeking a comprehensive agreement that improves working conditions, wages and pensions for its members.

Firestone officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

Nine Plants Affected

The nine facilities covered by the agreement include plants in Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Indiana and Arkansas.

One of the facilities mentioned is the Decatur, Illinois, plant that produced most of the 6.5 million 15-inch tires recalled in response to a federal probeof peeling treads and blown tires.

On Tuesday the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration raised to 62 from 46 the number of traffic deaths it was investigating allegedlylinked to failures of the tires, most involving Ford Motor’s Explorer sport utility vehicles, the top selling SUV in the UnitedStates.

The USWA represents 11 Bridgestone/Firestone facilities in the United States.