A labor contract between the Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. and United Steel Workers Local 207L has been extended until Nov. 21 to allow more time for negotiations. The original contract expired Oct. 31; a strike has been averted and production will continue as planned.
The talks could get contentious: National union officials and political leaders, including U.S. Rep. Phil Hare, D-Ill., are vociferously calling on Cooper to make a commitment toward maintaining its current levels of tire production in the U.S. rather than moving more of its operations overseas.
Cooper is headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. A large Election Day rally among the labor organization’s network of supporters was planned for Nov. 4 at the USW’s Findlay union hall.
“We are working toward a conclusion that balances what’s good for the company along with the needs of our workers,” says USW Local 207L President Rod Nelson. “So far, both sides are talking candidly about the company’s situation and are working together to resolve the issues.”
“All parties are working together to bring a satisfactory conclusion to the contract discussions,” says Jack Hamilton, manager of Cooper’s Findlay plant. “Obviously the recently announced Network Capacity Study (which is reviewing possible plant closures and layoffs) will be a factor for consideration in the final agreement. We are pleased at the cooperation being shown as we work through the challenging issues.”
For more information, visit www.usw.org and www.coopertire.com.
