BATO, union exchange proposals

Representatives from Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC (BATO) and the United Steelworkers have exchanged contract proposals.

Both parties entered labor contract negotiations earlier this month.

"They're in the phase now where they are examining (the) proposals," says a BATO spokesman.

Talks between BATO and the union are on hiatus this week, but will resume next week.

The Steelworkers also are in contract talks with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and Michelin North America Inc.