Bridgestone/Firestone's Emkes addresses contract talks

May 3, 2005

"Our goal is to get an agreement that benefits both parties," says Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc. Chairman and CEO Mark Emkes regarding on-going labor contract talks.

"There are many delicate issues on the table" in talks between negotiators from Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC (BFNT) and representatives from the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (formerly the United Steelworkers of America).

"What we won't do is anything that jeopardizes the future of this company."

A new contract would cover five BFNT plants in North America that are operating on a day-to-day contract that can be canceled by either side with a five-day notice.