Bridgestone NA and Unions Continue Negotiations

While negotiations between the USWA and Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT) continue, it appears that union representatives may be preparing for some kind of on-the-job action. According to a Tire Review report, a BFNAT spokesman mentioned that talks are progressing albeit slowly. USWA-representatives at BFNAT plants have been working without a contract since April 2003. In November 2003, talks broke off all together and the two sides didn’t return t the bargaining table until December 2004.

On 2 February, a notice was posted on the USWA Local 1155L web site suggesting some “job action” may be imminent. The notice to workers at BFNAT’s truck tyre plant in Warren County, Tennessee stated: “The leadership of USWA 1155L, in an effort to facilitate mobilisation and strike preparation, regrets to inform our membership we are no longer accepting reservations at the Union Hall for its use. Prior reservations will be honored if the business of USWA 1155L allows. This effort will only be necessary until justice is served.”