Goodyear, Wolverhampton workers begin talks on truck tire operation's future

WOLVERHAMPTON, England (Nov. 6)—Goodyear Great Britain Ltd. has started a 90-day consultation process with its work force over the future of truck tire operation at Wolverhampton, which employs 468. British labor laws require the measure prior to a company's making significant work force reductions. "Our industry is facing severe overcapacity. The recent sharp downturn in demand due to the overall economic environment puts huge pressure on us," said Martin Smith, director of human resources at Goodyear Great Britain. "We have to evaluate the viability of our truck tire production in Wolverhampton very closely. Our first priority is to open dialogue with our associates, their union representatives and public authorities Goodyear employs 1,781 at the Wolverhampton site, which also produces tires for cars, light trucks and agricultural machinery.