USW files charges against Cooper for unfair bargaining

ERJ staff report (TB)

Findlay, Ohio -- The United Steelworkers (USW) International and USW Local 207L in Findlay have filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board against Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., alleging the tire maker committed unfair labor practices during contract negotiations with unionized workers at its Findlay plant.

Cooper locked out approximately 900 USW workers on Nov. 29 and started bringing in temporary workers Dec. 5 to produce tires there.

The USW said it filed 10 charges against Cooper, including:

• The company's demand that bargaining unit members ratify a contract “absent the full details of an incentive plan” that the union believes could result in wage cuts;
• Cooper's refusal to bargain by conditioning further discussion on the union changing its negotiating position;
• Falsely declaring an impasse;
• Disparaging the International union in meetings; and
• “Unilaterally changing conditions of employment by canceling scheduled work” and extending the Thanksgiving holiday shutdown until the beginning of the lockout.

The USW cited the lockout itself as an unfair practice, along with its continuation “in support of a bargaining position tainted by the illegal labor practices cited in the charges.”

Cooper could not be reached for comment at Tire Business' presstime.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)
Press release from USW