Steelworkers union works to negotiate 'fair agreement' for Bridgestone factory workers
LA Vergne — Many commuters on Waldron Road Tuesday drove by United Steelworkers picketing by the Bridgestone tire factory.
"We're working toward a fair agreement," said Jess Kamm, a spokeswoman for the United Steelworkers.
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The current contract between the union and Bridgestone is set to expire by 11 p.m. Thursday. If the sides fail to reach an agreement, negotiations will continue at a time of high inflation when prices increased by 9.1% in June from the year before.
Unresolved negotiations, however, possibly can lead to a work stoppage that requires notice either through a worker strike or management lockout of the factory, Kamm said.
The negotiations involve six Bridgestone Americas plants, including the La Vergne factory that makes truck and bus radial tires, company spokeswoman Emily Weaver said.
"We are committed to an open and good-faith discussion, and we’re optimistic that a mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached," said Weaver, whose company has a North American headquarters based in downtown Nashville.
The factory in La Vergne has 1,100 workers, including 900 direct company employees. The other 200 are contract workers at a factory originally built by Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in 1972.
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The six Bridgestone plants in negotiations involve the following local United Steelworkers chapters:
Local 310L, Des Moines, Iowa
Local 7L, Akron, Ohio
Local 787L, Bloomington, Illinois
Local 884L, Russellville, Arkansas
Local 1055L, La Vergne, Tennessee
Local 1155L, Warren County, Tennessee
The union's bargaining committee seeks a fair and equitable contract, states an online union communication from Drew Rodriguez, president of Local 1155L in Warren County, and Tommy Winkles, who's also with 1155L.
"Unfortunately, the company has yet to offer an agreement that meets the economic needs of our members," the communication said. "In the meantime, you have shown tremendous support by holding gate and flagpole rallies and other demonstrations at all of the plants."
La Vergne Mayor Jason Cole noticed the picketers Tuesday and shared photos of them on Facebook. He asked that demonstrators and commuters use caution to remain safe along the roadway by the factory.
Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips and questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Scott Broden.
About Bridgestone's La Vergne factory
Year built: 1972
Builder: Firestone Tire and Rubber Company
Year Bridgestone Americas bought La Vergne factory: 1983
Square feet of factory: 2.2 million
Acres for factory: 132
Location in La Vergne: Bridgestone Parkway off Waldron Road
Union representing the factory employees: United Steelworkers
Number of workers at La Vergne factory: 1,100
Number of direct Bridgestone workers: 900
Number of contract workers: 200
Source: Bridgestone Americas spokeswoman Emily Weaver
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: United Steelworkers picket for fair contract by Bridgestone factory
