Goodyear reducing hours, workers at Tennessee tire plant

Goodyear is offering employee buyouts and reducing auto tire production at its plant in Union City, Tenn. Executives describe the decision as “another important step” in the company’s efforts “to align North American production capacity with weak industry demand.”

The factory will move from continuous operation to a five-day, three-shift work schedule on July 6.

In early May, United Steelworkers Union members at the plant ratified a local labor agreement that permits the change. About 550 employees will receive buyout packages.

The facility is capable of producing 12 million tires per year for the original equipment and replacement markets; it currently has 2,300 employees.

For more information, visit www.goodyear.com/corporate.