‘Movement’ in Union Talks

Talks between Cooper Tire & Rubber Co and the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) Local 752 for a new contract covering Cooper’s Texarkana, Arkansas, tyre plant are continuing. Tire Review has reported that both sides agreed to extend terms of the previous contract, which expired last week, at least until midnight on 12 March. Local 752 president David Boone told the Texarkana Gazette that the extension would hopefully give both sides time to reach a deal. “Both sides felt there is some movement,” Boone told the newspaper. “But we felt we didn’t have enough time to get there until Saturday midnight.” Healthcare costs and retiree benefits were the two main issues being discussed, he said.