USW bargaining committees for talks with Bridgestone/Firestone, Goodyear and MNA voted June 30 to focus on Michelin’s BFGoodrich plants for a pattern agreement.
Some within the industry expected either Goodyear or Bridgestone/Firestone to be selected as a focus for a pattern agreement. Negotiations between USW and MNA have been the least contentious. Goodyear was the target company for the 2003 negotiations.
"Significant in the selection of BFGoodrich is the fact that we believe that we can set an industry pattern that looks after our retirees, enhances job security and protects the standard of living for our active and retired members," said USW executive vice president Ron Hoover.
The Steelworkers said the purpose of pattern agreements is “to provide a level playing field for employers when it comes to the cost of labor. This compels employers to compete on the basis of product and service quality, innovation, up-to-date technology and management.”
However, some industry experts do not expect Goodyear or Bridgestone/Firestone to follow any pattern deal. All three companies are looking to reduce short- and long-term production and legacy costs, but have different situations and structures within which they can reduce costs.
Talks between the USW and MNA cover some 4,000 workers at three plants, and are taking place in Knoxville, Tenn. Steelworker/Goodyear talks, affecting some 17,000 workers at 14 plants, are taking place in Cincinnati. St. Louis is the site for talks between the USW and Bridgestone/Firestone that cover 6,000 workers at eight plants.
