Union says Goodyear workers can strike

Workers at four Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. plants have authorized possible strikes, according to the United Steelworkers.

Strike authorization means "that the membership has given the power to the (union's) policy committee to call a strike, if they believe it is necessary to win a fair settlement," says union spokesman Wayne Ranick.

Goodyear's contract with the Steelworkers expires on July 22. Representatives from both parties are at the bargaining table in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire LLC and Michelin North America Inc. also are in contract talks with the union.