Operations Back to Normal After Plant Takeover

(Akron/Tire Review) Feuding factions of the labour union representing workers at Bridgestone/Firestone’s tyre plant in Valencia, Venezuela, caused the three-day shutdown of the facility, according to a statement issued by the company.

According to Bridgestone/Firestone an “internal struggle between leaders of the labour union” led to the opposition group attempting to take over the plant. Company officials there, fearing violence, shut the plant down at 20:00 local time on 25 November. After two days, the reigning union leadership and members attempted to take the plant back, resulting in four injuries.

According to company officials, the plant restarted operations late on 28 November. Tyre production resumed the next day.

In a prepared statement, the company said: “the dispute is related to union leadership issues and is not a dispute between the company and the union. We are hopeful the ministry of labour and other appropriate Venezuelan government agencies can work with the union to achieve a long-term solution to these leadership issues that are in the best interests of all parties. Bridgestone/Firestone Venezuela is eager to work in cooperation with these officials to help resolve this matter.”