No talks, action between Goodyear, USWA

AKRON (July 25)—Goodyear and the United Steelworkers of America have had little contact since disbanding master contract talks a month ago, and there's even less of an indication what will happen next. The two sides adjourned their master contract talks June 28 after 3½ months of bargaining sessions in Cincinnati. The financially troubled tire maker submitted its last proposal shortly before the self-imposed deadline, but the union rejected it, saying it fell short on critical issues, including job security and investment in North American unionized plants. Goodyear countered by saying the offer was fair and addressed the pertinent issues for both sides. Spokesmen for both sides say there are no negotiations scheduled and no one has asked to return to the bargaining table. The company or USWA can end the current day-to-day agreements affecting union workers at 14 Goodyear sites with 72-hour notice. Goodyear will announce its second-quarter financial results July 30.