BFNAT Reaches Agreement With Bloomington Workers

(Akron/Tire Review) The United Steelworkers Local 787 union in Bloomington, Ill., has approved a new three-year contract with Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT).

Seventy-six percent of the union workers at the OTR plant voted in favor of paying more for medical insurance. In return, workers gained an extra holiday and seniority rights. Wage scales remain the same, but workers will receive cost-of-living pay increases.

Earlier this month, BFNAT reached a tentative deal with the United Steelworkers covering tyre plants in Akron, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; and LaVergne, Tenn.

Local 787 has worked under an expired contract since July. The new agreement will expire in July 2009.