September 9, 2009
AKRON, Ohio (AP) — The United Steelworkers says the union's tentative contract with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. protects six U.S. tire plants from closing for the next four years.
Union members on Tuesday received a summary of the deal reached with the Akron, Ohio-based tire maker on Aug. 30. The union says a ratification vote is expected to be completed by Sept. 18.
According to the Steelworkers, the contract maintains minimum staffing levels at plants in Akron; Buffalo, N.Y.; Danville, Va.; Fayetteville, N.C.; Gadsden, Ala.; and Topeka, Kan.
The union did not list a seventh factory, in Union City, Tenn. But a union official told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that workers at that plant may negotiate their own guarantee.