Ratification voting begins for Bridgestone/Firestone, USWA pact

PITTSBURGH (Sept. 14)—The tentative contracts between Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. and the United Steelworkers of America have gone to the local unions for ratification votes, and thus far three of four units have given their approval. As of Sept. 14, three locals had approved the three-year master contract, which was tentatively agreed upon by bargaining committees Sept. 4: Local 7 in Akron (93 percent of the members approved the deal); Local 1055 in LaVergne, Tenn. (79 percent); and Local 998 in Oklahoma City (75 percent). Local 884 in Russellville voted 152-65 against the contract, citing seniority issues as the main sticking point. To gain approval, the master contract must be approved by a majority of the seven locals representing a majority of the union membership. Voting will conclude at other USWA locals by Sept. 20.