Union Acts Globally in Goodyear Dispute

The United Steelworkers union have called for international support and solidarity from their overseas counterparts during their ongoing dispute with tyremaker Goodyear. The USW has recently forged strategic alliances with unions in Mexico, Brazil, Germany and Australia in order to support each other during disputes with common employers and to increase their bargaining power through coordination.

USW official Gerald Fernandez believes that international support for their cause is essential, stating that “To win this fight, one of the things we have to do is engage other unions internationally….it’s a way of expanding a fight for our members and retirees outside the borders of the United States.”

As the strike continues Goodyear is relying upon production at its international plants to help supply the North American market. Company spokesman Ed Markey reaffirmed that Goodyear remained committed to “running our business and making high quality Goodyear tyres everyday.”