Conti, USW conclude reopener talks
Pittsburgh --Midterm reopener negotiations between the United Steelworkers and Continental Tire North America Inc. have concluded, with some changes made in pension and other bargaining areas.
The talks, which limited bargaining to retirement issues, will affect benefits for about 3000 USW members employed at the company's Charlotte, N.C.; Bryan, Ohio; and Mayfield, Kentucky, tyre plants, the union announced July 20. The contracts for all three plants expire on different dates in 2006.
"The negotiations were drawn-out and difficult," said USW contract coordinator Ron Hoover, "but we were able to reach an agreement acceptable to both sides."
Highlights of the agreement include an increase in the pension multiplier to $51.50 per month of service, retroactive to April 1, 2003. The increase applies to all workers who retired on or after that date. The early retirement supplement also was increased to $340, retroactive to April 1.
In addition, the $50 reimbursement for Medicare Part B coverage was continued, provided the retiree is enrolled in that plan.
From Rubber & Plastics News
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