NLRB issues new complaint against Titan

DES MOINES, Iowa (Aug. 3)—Region 18 of the National Labor Relations Board has issued a new unfair labor practice complaint against Titan International Inc., alleging that company officials "interfered with, restrained and coerced" employees engaging in strike-related activities. Members of United Steelworkers Local 164 at Titan´s Des Moines farm tire plant have been on strike against the company since May 1, 1998. The complaint alleges that seven striking Local 164 members were fired to discourage them from "engaging in concerted activity," the USWA said. Last month, the NLRB issued a complaint against Titan at its Natchez, Miss., tire plant, claiming the company failed in its hiring obligations when it took over the facility. USWA Local 303 has been on strike in Natchez since Sept. 15, 1998.