Cooper reaches tentative pact with Findlay workers

ERJ staff report (TB)

Findlay, Ohio -- Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has reached a tentative agreement with United Steelworkers (USW) branch 207L, ending weeks of negotiations following the Oct. 31 expiration of the previous contract.

Work continued at the tyre maker's Findlay factory during negotiations for the new contract, which is set to expire in three years.

“Over the years, the Findlay plant has stepped up to meet the challenges,” said Rod Nelson, president of USW Local 207L. “We have done so again to secure our jobs in today's environment by balancing job security with a need to be competitive in the industry.”

The agreement comes as the tyre maker conducts a 90-day capacity study, initiated as a result of soft demand for tyres. The study, the company said, will probably result in the closing of one of its four US plants.

Jack Hamilton, Cooper's Findlay plant manager, said if the agreement is approved it will “position the Findlay plant in a competitive manner, which is especially important while we are finalising the network capacity study.”

The USW Local 207L will hold an informational meeting Dec. 5 for workers to discuss voting instructions.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)