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).”

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