USW Says Goodyear Looks to Tap Ex-Conti Workers

(Akron/Tire Review) The United Steelworkers claims that Goodyear has placed ads in “several North Carolina newspapers” apparently looking to attract experienced tyre plant workers to work as replacements at its plants. Goodyear’s 12 unionized North American tyre plants are being picketed by the USW.

More than 1,200 workers lost their jobs when Charlotte, N.C.-based Continental Tire North America discontinued production at its hometown passenger and light truck tyre plant earlier this year. USW said that Goodyear hired Modern Industrial Staffing to locate experience workers interested in joining Goodyear.

“Goodyear is wasting its time and money thinking it can sweet talk members from this Local into scabbing,” said Mark Cieslikowski, president of USW Local 850 which represents the now-unemployed Continental workers. “Goodyear should be using that money and effort to negotiate a fair contract with its regular workforce.”