Giti rejects worker mistreatment claims, links to union-membership drive

RICHBURG, South Carolina—Giti Tire has rejected claims that it is mistreating workers at its Richburg, South Carolina, tire plant, linking the allegations to a union-membership drive at the site.

In a Nov. 30 statement, David Shelton, Giti's director of industry relations, said the tire maker welcomed "sincere and legitimate" input from its team members and other community members.

But, added Shelton: "As a core principle, Giti Tire works very hard to ensure we have all the facts and accurate information before taking action.

"We certainly hope others will also be diligent in confirming the facts and evaluating items coming from parties outside of our Chester County operations who are providing false and misleading information."

The statement was in response to complaints in a Nov. 23 letter by more than 40 community leaders to Phang Wai Yeen, CEO of Giti Tire Manufacturing (USA).

The letter included claims of "low wages, unpredictable schedules and oppressive amounts of mandatory overtime that leave workers no time for their families," from workers at the plant.

Furthermore, the letter said that Giti "compounded its abuses" by harassing workers who wanted to join unions such as the United Steelworkers (USW).

In his reply, Shelton also linked the claims to an organized union-membership drive at the U.S. tire plant.

"People who have been a part of our community, and surrounding communities, know that you can have problems with union representation that can hurt job security and long-term success," he stated.

These, continued the Giti official, "are facts people need to know before even thinking a union is best for them and their families."

Describing the plant's 600 employees as "our most valuable asset," Shelton concluded that workers "should be able to communicate directly with us without the need of a third party such as a union."