USWA Give Michelin 11 August Strike Deadline

The leadership of American automotive manufacturing workers, United Steelworkers of America (USWA) have given Michelin North America Incorporated until Wednesday to negotiate a new labour contract.

If the 11 August deadline passes without the parties reaching an agreement, union members representing a number of other Michelin manufacturing plants may strike. Union members gave their leadership the power to call a strike in a vote last year.

Negotiations came to a standstill last July when both sides made proposals, both of which were rejected. The USWA had been using its contract with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as a “pattern agreement.”
In response, say union officials, Michelin presented its “Company Offer of Settlement,” which would have removed medical benefits for future pensioners and reduced holiday allowance.

“It is apparent that we are in for a fight,” USWA officials said in the union´s Negotiation News bulletin.

“We feel it is inappropriate to publicly discuss details while negotiations are underway,” said Michelin spokesman Christian Flathman.

With reference to the approaching deadline, Flathman had this to say: “Having a targeted deadline for completing negotiations should help us meet our objective of reaching an agreement with the USWA. Our goal continues to be maintaining the competitiveness of our US plants and improving their overall viability.”