USWA gives Bridgestone/Firestone 14-day strike notice

ST. LOUIS (Aug. 18)—The United Steelworkers of America issued a strike notice to Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. Aug. 18 for nine of the company´s organized facilities. The 8,000 union employees had been working on extended contract agreements, but the 14-day notice means they could walk out Sept. 1 in no contract is reached. The Nashville-based tire maker presented a comprehensive proposal Aug. 15 after five months of negotiations, but the USWA said it "fell short of resolving critical issues identified by the membership." John Sellers, chairman of the union´s bargaining council, said he expects intensive bargaining to continue, but a strike at every location is probable if an agreement isn´t reached in the next two weeks.