Goodyear CEO: Controversial slide made without authorisation

Akron, Ohio – Goodyear chairman, CEO and president Richard Kramer has said that a presentation slide that led president Donald Trump to call for a boycott of Goodyear products was created without prior approval of the company's corporate office.

The Akron-based tire maker posted a letter on its Facebook page from Kramer on 20 Aug, where he said the slide was created by an employee at the company's production plant in Topeka, Kansas. 

"The slide was not approved or distributed by Goodyear Corporate or anyone outside of (the Topeka) facility," Kramer wrote in the statement. "I deeply regret the impression it has created and want to clarify Goodyear's position."

The slide in question listed "acceptable" and "unacceptable" work attire. Under Goodyear's "One Team" branding and a "Zero Tolerance" headline, the slide notes that attire with "Black Lives Matter" and "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride (LGBT)" messaging is permitted at work.

Political apparel with messaging regarding "Blue Lives Matter, All Lives Matter" and political campaigns, including those bearing Trump's "Make America Great Again (MAGA)" slogan, are "unacceptable," the slide said.

Kramer went on to reiterate Goodyear does not endorse any political organisation, party or candidate.

"Secondly," Kramer said, "Goodyear strongly supports our law enforcement partners and deeply appreciate all they do to put their lives on the line each and every day for our communities.

"We have proudly supplied tires to police and fire personnel for more than 100 years, and the relationship is foundational to our company."

Kramer said the tire maker has clarified to employees that they may express support for law enforcement by wearing apparel at Goodyear facilities.

"The core of our company is our people and our culture," Kramer wrote. "Goodyear has always supported both law enforcement and equal justice. We will always do so."