"Tires are not the problem" at Decatur, USWA says

DECATUR, Ill. (July 18)—The United Steelworkers of America suspects motives other than production issues behind Bridgestone/Firestone Inc.'s proposed closure of its Decatur, Ill., tire plant. "Based on our knowledge and review of facts, we are convinced that the problem is not with the tires" made by Bridgestone/Firestone, USWA International Vice President John Sellers said in a press release after meeting with Bridgestone/Firestone CEO John Lampe in Pittsburgh about the Decatur facility. USWA Local 713 President Roger Gates also attended the meeting, as did other top Bridgestone/Firestone officials. A USWA spokesman said the union expects more meetings with the tire maker, although none have yet been scheduled.