Contract negotiations between Goodyear Tires and the United Steelworkers Union are ongoing in Texarkana, Arkansas. The tire plant, which has been a part of the community for 60 years, is the third largest employer in the region.
Although Goodyear’s contract with the union has expired, employees intend to continue working as long as negotiations are making progress. Union leaders are currently awaiting a response from the company regarding their proposal.
The Texarkana plant, situated off U.S. Highway 49, employs 1,800 workers, many of whom are union members. On Friday, most vehicles at the plant displayed signs reading, “Fair Contract Now.” Similarly, messages on the marquee outside the union hall called for “livable wages and retire with dignity.”
Three years ago, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company acquired Cooper Tire in a $2.8 billion deal. Representatives from the United Steelworkers Local 752 have been engaged in meetings with the company, discussing wages and benefits for the employees.
“We want the company to recognize the workforce in the plant and allow them to have a contract that’s fair to them as well. A contract that represents what they have earned and what they deserve,” said Kerry Halter, USW Local 752 President.
The last contract negotiation between the union and the company took place five years ago. Union leaders have stated that if the company returns with a reasonable offer, the contract will then be put to a vote by the membership. . Negotiations continue today.
