USWA delays Titan contract vote

DES MOINES, Iowa (Sept. 19)—A ratification vote on a new contract for striking Steelworkers at Titan International Inc.'s Des Moines farm tire plant was put on hold Sept. 18 over questions about health insurance in the tentative agreement. John Peno, United Steelworkers Local 164 president, told the "Des Moines Register" Sept. 18 the delay was over clarification of insurance for surviving spouses of retirees. The local and company were exchanging information and a vote likely will come within the "next several days," Peno said. Local 164 struck against Titan on May 1, 1998; the more than 40-month walkout is the longest strike in tire and rubber industry history.