As Bridgestone's contract ends, questions begin

July 19, 2009

The Big Three tire manufacturers and the United Steelworkers (USW) are working overtime.

On July 15, when their old three-year contracts were officially expired, both Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and Michelin North America Inc. extended their respective contracts for another month -- with the union's OK, of course.

On July 17, both the USW and Bridgestone Americas Inc. let the old agreement run out. They are now working under the terms and conditions of the expired contract on a day-to-day basis.

Does extending deadlines, or, in Bridgestone's case, working on faith give us a sign of what could come? Modern Tire Dealer Editor Bob Ulrich looks at the issue in his latest blog, "Bridgestone's union contract ends; now what?"

Check it out by visiting www.moderntiredealer.com, and clicking on first "Blogs" and then B.O.B. And feel free to leave a comment!