Contract Extension Gives Cooper, USW Three More Weeks

Cooper Tire & Rubber agreed on October 31 to extend its contract with USW Local 207L until midnight on November 21, 2008, to allow more time for discussion. The contract was set to expire at the end of October. During this three week extension period, production will continue as planned at the Findlay, Ohio tyre manufacturing facility.

Commenting on the extension, Findlay plant manager Jack Hamilton said, “All parties are working together to bring a satisfactory conclusion to the contract discussions. Obviously the recently announced Network Capacity Study will be a factor for consideration in the final agreement. We are pleased at the cooperation being shown as we work through the challenging issues.”

Also commenting, USW Local 207L president Rod Nelson said, “We are working toward a conclusion that balances what’s good for the company along with the needs of our workers. So far, both sides are talking candidly about the company’s situation and are working together to resolve the issues.”