BFNAT, USW Talks Progressing

(Akron/Tire Review) Reports from the United Steelworkers indicate that master contract negotiations with Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire are progressing. Earlier this week, the two sides held meetings at USW’s headquarters in Pittsburgh that were termed “generally positive” by the union.

The USW said the Pittsburgh meetings covered a number of issues, including “retiree medical insurance, job security, improvements in the supplemental worker program, tiered wages, pensions and an equitable plant closure benefits agreement” for employees who lost their job with last year’s closure of BFNAT’s Oklahoma City plant.

The USW said “intensive negotiations” will continue in St. Louis, but due to scheduling problems BFNAT negotiators will not be available until March 12.