Continental Tire North America Inc. (CTNA) has presented an enhanced severance package to union officials representing laid-off workers at the company's Mayfield, Ky., plant.
"This new proposal would provide laid-off employees with lump sum payments of up to $15,000 based upon years of service, as well as additional $2,500 for healthcare expenses," say CTNA officials.
"It is (our) goal to assist all our laid-off employees by providing them with enhanced severance benefits over and above the benefits provided in the labor agreement.
"We understand that it has not been easy for many of them to find jobs in the Mayfield area and we are addressing these difficulties by significantly increasing lump sum payments to the laid-off employees."
CTNA and the United Steelworkers have been negotiating over benefits for laid-off workers since September 2004.
CTNA suspended tire production "indefinitely" at its Mayfield plant at the end of 2004.
