UNION CITY, Tenn. (AP) — Community leaders in northwest Tennessee say an announcement that Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. will idle 1,900 workers in a shutdown of its Union City plant is a severe blow.
The closing will also affect many western Kentucky families.
The Akron, Ohio-based company announced the shutdown Thursday along with its earnings report.
The plant was left unprotected in the latest labor contract. Obion (oh-BY'-un) County Mayor Benny McGuire said the shutdown announcement was unexpectedly drastic.
McGuire said the plant is probably the largest employer in northwest Tennessee.
He said production will continue until late this year but there are few other jobs available.
Union City Mayor Terry Hailey said some other company looking to expand hopefully will realize there is a good work force available.