Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has presented a new set of proposals to the United Steelworkers. The proposals are "based closely" on the union's contract with Michelin North America Inc., say Goodyear officials.
Highlights include:
* plant protection similar to Michelin's agreement for all but two Goodyear master plants, including guarantees of no layoffs below a fixed number at protected facilities;
* pay increases for approximately 31% of Goodyear's workforce, as of July 2009;
* pay protection for current workers through July 2009, unless they move to a lower job grade;
* continued Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), distributed as a percentage based on pay rates;
* establishment of a "support unit;"
* revised piece work incentives;
* an "exit incentive" for up to 10% of the active population;
* pension increases with length of service;
* life insurance improvements for active employees;
* plant investment guarantees;
* a plan to protect competitive retiree medical benefits;
* reduce vacations for new hires;
* active health care changes.
The proposals were presented on Sept. 13. Goodyear and union officials are meeting in Cincinnati. Ohio.
Goodyear has said it wants to see the union forge a new labor contract with Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC first.