(Originally Published on: Aug 28, 2009 @ 11:23)
UPDATE: I CALLED IT!
Just what the local economy needs… sheesh. I don’t think it will happen.
UPDATE: Goodyear, USW reach contract agreement.
Our sources say that talk of an impending strike is growing at Danville’s Goodyear plant. Goodyear is currently in contract negotiations with the USW and the deadline’s been extended two times already.
The USW leadership has released the following “Solidarity Alert”
As the deadline of 11:59 PM, August 29 approaches, both parties continue to work to reach a new labor agreement that is fair and equitable to those involved. Although progress has been slow, some movement has been made toward reaching a resolution to the current talks. Large issues concerning wages and benefits for all of our members remain obstacles to a new contract at this time.
Over the next few days your Policy Committee will be working around the clock to reach an agreement prior to the deadline of August 29. The Policy Committee believes that both parties are interested in culminating these negotiations at or before the deadline. If these issues cannot be resolved in a reasonable fashion before the deadline the membership should be prepared for the possibility of a labor dispute. Though a strike remains a possibility, the Committee remains focused on obtaining an agreement.
So what does this mean? It’s “tough guy” posturing by the USW leadership but they know that they don’t have a winning hand at this showdown. They give themselves an out in this press release by saying that they “remain(s) focused on obtaining an agreement.” With the economy’s current state and Goodyear’s precarious financial situation, a strike would be devastating to the entire union membership.
The union members can act tough all that they want, but the leadership knows that they’re pretty much going to have to take whatever Goodyear offers them in order to stay alive. Remember, this is the same union leadership that agreed on a plant closing and job cuts that wiped out around 20% of the Danville plant’s workforce.
They should fire the whole bunch as many people in this area that are looking for jobs it won’t be hard to fill the positions for a lot less pay.When those Goodyear workers are in the unemployment line maybe they will realize how lucky they were to have had the good paying jobs they had.
You must be one of those that is unemployed. They do not want to lose their jobs they just want what was promised them. They want all employees to be on the same pay scale. They work hard for their money. You try working in a building with hot melted rubber with no air to cool you off.
I know several people that would be glad to work in those conditions for the pay they get.All employees are never on the same pay scale because in most work places people are doing different jobs with different job skill levels. Im sure the Goodyear workers do work hard but they are well rewarded for their hard work also. I know alot of people that work just as hard for alot less.
My dad worked for Goodyear for years. He HATED when they went on strike. He wanted to actually work and earn a living for his family. With the economy like it is, they should be thankful they even HAVE jobs. I agree with Will. Fire them and hire people who want to work, not sit on the side of Goodyear Blvd. and wave signs.