The union said it was suspending talks pending the outcome of the union’s negotiations with Michelin North America. MNA was selected as the USW’s target company for a pattern contract.

USW said that its Bridgestone/Firestone workers will not go on strike when the current master contract expires at midnight July 23, but there has been no formal announcement if the contract will be extended on a day-to-day basis as has been done with Goodyear.

USW leaders "are not calling for a strike at this point. We urge all members to continue to report to work," the union said in a statement to workers.

At the same time, without an extension of the current contract, either side is free to take action, including striking or instituting plant shutdowns.