Workers at five Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC (BFNT) plants may start picketing in July, according to a recent statement by the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (USW), formerly the United Steelworkers of America.
USW officials claim that BFNT "continues to insist on massive concessions and has yet to meaningfully address job security and other needs."
If negotiations continue along their present course, they say, "during the month of June, (we) will then focus on a series of mobilization meetings at all plant locations."
Five BFNT manufacturing facilities are currently operating on a day-to-day contract. They include plants in Des Moines, Iowa; Warren County, Tenn.; La Vergne, Tenn.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; and a shop in Akron, Ohio, that builds racing tires.
The day-to-day contract can be canceled at any time by either side after a five-day notice.
