Steelworkers file complaint against Conti

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania -- The fight between Continental AG's US subsidiary and the United Steelworkers (USW) union is continuing after the union filed a complaint with the US State Department over the decision by the German tyremaker to close its factory in North Carolina.

The union said its complaints focus on Continental Tire North America's demands for $32 million in cost cuts to save the Charlotte plant.

The union claims Continental did not provide sufficient information to aid its bargaining.

The State Department serves as the US contact point for the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.

The guidelines are non-binding principles and standards for business relations between signatory countries, including the US and Germany.

USW also filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board.

The union said a trial for that complaint is set for 22 Aug.

A Continental spokesperson couldn't be reached for comment.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain Publication)