Cooper Tire locks out union at Findlay plant
ERJ staff report (DS)
Findlay, Ohio - Cooper Tire & Rubber Co has communicated an
immediate lockout of its Findlay plant unionised workforce to the USW.
The company said the move was taken, “following repeated attempts to
extend its recently expired contract or reach agreement on a new
long-term contract with United Steelworkers Local 207L (USW).â€
The United Steelworkers (USW) condemned the decision saying it had
made a good faith offer to keep working while negotiations toward a new
labor contract proceeded.
USW District 1 Director Dave McCall said that he expects the union
to pursue unlawful bargaining charges against Cooper with the National
Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and added that the union is still
committed to negotiating a fair contract in Findlay. /p>
Cooper plans to continue manufacturing operations at the
Findlay facility with a temporary workforce during the lockout. The
company said it will continue to supply its customers with the quality
products they have come to expect.
The company is also committed to reaching an agreement with the USW
that recognises the realities of the tire industry while providing a
competitive wage and benefit package for its employees. Dates for
future negotiations are currently being finalised.
USW District 1 sub-director Patrick Gallagher said, "These
negotiations have been hindered considerably by Cooper's behavior at
the bargaining table and the company's determination to instigate a
labor dispute. Cooper's intent to test our solidarity became clear the
moment the company refused our offer to continue working until we
reached a new contract."
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Press release from Cooper Tire
Press release from USW
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