Bridgestone Says Both Sides Met Contract Goals

Tire Review – While ratification votes are still weeks away, Bridgestone Americas said it is satisfied with its tentative four-year contract with the USW, and that the union met its bargaining goals, as well. The tentative deal covers USW workers at Bridgestone facilities in Akron, Des Moines, Iowa; LaVergne, Tennessee; and Russellville, Arkansas.

A separate concurrent deal was reached with workers at its Warren County, Tenn., truck tyre plant. Bridgestone’s Bloomington, Illinois, OTR tyre plant is on a separate contract that expires in 2013. Contract specifics have not been made public. ”It has been our goal throughout this process to achieve contracts that are in the best interests of both parties and allow our company to participate successfully in a fiercely competitive global marketplace,” the company said. ”We believe these agreements are reflective of that goal.”