Security against plant closures biggest point of contention in labor talks

CINCINNATI (June 16)—Negotiators for Goodyear and the United Steelworkers of America can't agree on contract language that would keep the company from closing any of its 14 organized tire and rubber plants during the next three years, a union spokesman said June 16. The USWA is looking for written "enforceable assurance" that the facilities will be protected and has said it won't accept a contract which doesn't address the issue. The union claims Goodyear—which reported a net loss of $1.1 billion in 2002—wants $915 million in wage and benefits concessions over a three-year span from workers and retirees. The two sides have been bargaining in Cincinnati since March 13. The union has said it won't negotiate past June 27 and is ready to strike if necessary.