Union to monitor Goodyear's proposed sale of Engineered Products

By David Shaw, ERJ staff

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania -- The United Steelworkers of America has said it intends to "closely monitor" the proposed sale by Goodyear of its Engineered Products division.

In a statement, USW executive vice president Ron Hoover said, "Goodyear has been straightforward in telling us that it wants to explore this avenue. We are certain they will inform all interested buyers of the contractual language that protects our members and the Union in the case of any possible sale."

The statement continued, "The current agreement between Goodyear and the USW contains what is referred to as "successorship" language. Quite simply, if the company is looking to sell its engineered products business to a buyer, that buyer is required to recognize the USW as the workers' bargaining representative. In addition, the proposed buyer must negotiate a new labor contract with the USW prior to completing its purchase with Goodyear."

The USW represents 2,250 members at seven Goodyear engineered products facilities in North America. Goodyear's Engineered Products unit employs about 7000 worldwide.