Report: CTNA Makes ‘Last, Best’ Offer

(Akron/Tire Review) According to news reports, Continental Tire North America (CTNA) presented its “last, best and final offer” to United Steelworkers officials yesterday. The tyre maker’s master contract with the union expires Apr. 30.
The company said its latest proposal was its ninth in an attempt to secure cost cuts of some $32 million at its Charlotte, N.C., plant. Union officials said they are reviewing the proposal, and plan to resume meetings with CTNA this Friday.

Mark Cieslikowski, USW Local 850 president, told the Charlotte Observer that CTNA’s new proposal seeks the same level of cutbacks. “I’m only looking at it one way,” said Cieslikowski. “We’re going to resolve this thing and end up with a contract on Sunday night.”

CTNA has threatened to “indefinitely suspend” production at the plant if it does not get the cost cuts it wants. The tyre maker has already cut production and laid off some 140 workers. Another 172 union jobs will be cut in June, according to CTNA’s previously announced reduction plans.

USW Local 850 members voted to authorize a strike should talks stall.