BFNT, union talks start

June 14, 2006

Labor contract negotiations between Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire LLC and the United Steelworkers started on June 14 in St. Louis, Mo.

"Our goal is very simple: to get a contract that's in the interest of both parties and allows our plants to be globally competitive," says a BFNT spokesman.

"We have to be realistic about the competitive landscape."

The union also is holding concurrent talks with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and Michelin North America Inc.