USWA, Bridgestone/Firestone continue contract negotiations

ST. LOUIS (June 15)—The United Steelworkers of America and Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. are progressing in their master contract talks, but still are ``substantially apart´´ on a number of non-financial issues, according to a USWA spokesman. The two sides have been bargaining officially in St. Louis since March 6, and have been working on a day-to-day extension of the three-year deal that was to expire April 23. Bridgestone/Firestone and the union have been discussing seniority, attendance programs, neutrality, grievance procedures and job security, but haven´t found common ground.