Workers vote to close US Goodyear plant early

Akron, Ohio -- Workers at Goodyear's Tyler, Texas, plant have voted to close the facility earlier than expected, a Goodyear spokeswoman said.

The plant -- which ceased tyre production last December as Goodyear opted to exit some segments of the private brand tyre business -- has remained open as a rubber mixing plant. It was scheduled to shut down permanently in July 2009 when the current labour agreement with the United Steelworkers union expires.

Last week, the union ratified a new contract proposed by Goodyear to allow for an early end to the facility.

The spokeswoman said the company has not yet determined a closing date, but it most likely will take place before the end of 2008.

Goodyear also has scheduled a series of layoffs at the plant to take place in August, during which the company will release 110 of about 160 workers still employed there.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)