Union approves Goodyear contract as pattern for Bridgestone, Michelin

Union officials negotiating with Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire LLC (BFNA) and Michelin North America Inc., respectively, have voted to approve the United Steelworkers of America's three-year contract with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. as a "pattern settlement" for rest of the industry.

Last week, a union spokesman told mtdealer.com that BFNT is next in line for contract negotiations, then Michelin. "We're in the process of trading information with the union negotiators right now, so we can decide how we will proceed with our negotiations," says Dan McDonald, BFNT spokesman.

After negotiating with MNA, Steelworkers intend to target Yokohama Tire Corp. and Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.

A "reopener" clause in the union's contract with Continental Tire North America Inc. goes into effect later this week.