Goodyear, union talks expected to continue

Akron, Ohio - Formal talks between Goodyear and the United Steelworkers are expected to continue for a third day today (16 Nov.) - 42 days into the union´s strike at 16 plants - despite the union´s insistence that some of the tyre maker´s proposals are "unworkable."

A Goodyear spokesman said he had no news to report at the end of the day yesterday, after the two sides resumed talks on Tuesday. The union called the strike on 5 Oct. A union spokesman said talks are continuing.

In a Solidarity Alert letter to members, the USW said a proposal by the company to contribute to a trust fund in exchange for relief on union retiree health care liability is "an immoral and unworkable solution to this issue." The union further claimed the $660 million Goodyear has proposed contributing is $500 million short of the company´s obligation.

The Goodyear spokesman declined to comment on whether the trust fund proposal remained a viable option.

Last week the Akron-based tyre maker posted a summary of its last offer to the union, dated Oct. 27, on a Web site (see below).

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)

www.goodyearnegotiations.com website