USW takes Cooper Findlay fight online
Contract negotiations at Cooper Tire & Rubber’s Findlay, Ohio plant are still ongoing, and US publication Tire Review reports the United Steel Workers union has launched a website to garner support for Local 207L members by signing a petition to send to Cooper Tire executives. The site, stopcoopertire.usw.org, also includes a video featuring locked-out workers and it encourages visitors to make a monetary donation, though it doesn't say what the money goes toward.
At the same time, Tire Review says local news reports indicate some Local 207L members have voiced their criticism of the USW. Locked out Cooper employees who voted in favour of the contract that USW Local 207L rejected last month are starting to speak out, saying union leaders from outside of the area are focusing on things that have nothing to do with Cooper’s last offer. One locked out employee told a local newspaper he would go back to work for the company as a temp if he was allowed to do so, and knows several other people that would, as well.
207L President Rod Nelson told the newspaper the international union has been a strong presence at the negotiations, but ultimately it is up to the local union membership. USW sub-district director Patrick Gallagher said Cooper has been trying to drive a wedge between the local and international union.
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