Production at the plant will gradually diminish, and the facility will completely shut down by the end of the year.

BFNAT’s official statement follows:

“The decision to close the Oklahoma City plant was a difficult but necessary one. We have been in discussions with local union 998 of the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (USW) on a plant closure package for all employees, but the union has broken off those discussions, and no additional meetings are currently scheduled.

“To help address the impact this decision will have on the Oklahoma City employees and their families, we have worked with state and federal officials to determine ways in which we can assist employees to find available outplacement and training opportunities and have provided that information to employees.

“The affected employees will receive information on individual severance, benefits and pension information prior to their last day of employment, pursuant to the union contract. The affected employees have already been provided information on outplacement services and training opportunities.

“Further, employees can use the state of Oklahoma’s Web site or visit any of the state’s one-stop work centers for help with creating and posting resumes and seeking employment. The Web site, www.DaytonOKCSupport.com, includes a job link that was created by the plant, union and state of Oklahoma specifically for affected Bridgestone/Firestone employees and will soon include a virtual job fair. The one-stop centers also provide information on any federal programs for which employees are eligible.

“The state of Oklahoma has set up a computer lab at the Oklahoma City plant where employees can take a survey and complete an assessment to help them determine future job opportunities. Based on employee feedback, we also have worked with the state to set up specific training and certification classes.”