In August, 71 workers were laid off due to “a softening farm/implement market,” according to Titan Chairman and CEO Morry Taylor.
But, United Steelworkers Local 745 President Steve Vanderheyden called the layoffs “a violation of contract terms,” saying that under the master contract, union workers are protected except for a downturn in sales back to Goodyear.
Goodyear purchases mixed rubber stock and finished ATV tires from Titan, which was included as part of the purchase deal. According to Titan, Goodyear reduced the amount of rubber and tires it was buying from Titan.
Vanderheyden said the contract permits layoffs of those workers producing products sold to Goodyear and only if there was a downturn in production of those products. But the union head said that employees with jobs that cross over between Goodyear-designated production and Titan production are protected.
From Wire Reports