The United Steelworkers of America (USWA) have broken off talks with Continental Tire North America Inc. (CTNA) in connection with the suspension of tire production at the company´s Mayfield, Ky., plant, according to CTNA officials.
Last week, CTNA presented union officials with a proposal that increased severance payments for all hourly Mayfield employees with one or more years of service to $8,000.
The proposal included preferential hiring rights for laid-off Mayfield workers at other CTNA plants and an agreement to re-hire said employees if tire production resumes at the facility.
CTNA plans to suspend tire manufacturing in Mayfield "indefinitely" by the end of next month.
