USW Names BFGoodrich as “Target” for Master Contract Talks

The United Steelworkers (USW) have announced that BFGoodrich/Michelin has been selected as the “target company” for 2006 master contract negotiations in the US rubber and tyre industry. Representatives from USW bargaining committees engaged in contract talks with Bridgestone/Firestone (BFS), Goodyear and BFGoodrich/Michelin voted in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“Significant in the selection of BFGoodrich is the fact that we believe that we can set an industry pattern that looks after our retirees, enhances job security and protects the standard of living for our active and retired members,” said USW executive vice president Ron Hoover.

Negotiations began earlier this month. The BFGoodrich/Michelin talks cover 4,000 members in three facilities and have been taking place in Knoxville, Tennessee. The contract expiration date for the current three-year pact is 22 July 2006. The USW Goodyear/Kelly-Springfield/Dunlop negotiations cover 14,000 members at 12 plants in the US Another 3,000 members are involved in talks in Canada. Talks are taking place in Cincinnati. The negotiations with Bridgestone-Firestone are being held in St. Louis and cover 6,000 workers in eight US plants. The expiration date is also 22 July.