News From USWA: Steelworkers Refuse to Accept Decatur Plant Closure; Claim Tires Are Not Source of the Problem

    PITTSBURGH--July 13, 2001--Representatives of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) International and Decatur Local 713 met with top management of Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. today in Pittsburgh and urged a thorough exploration of ways to keep the Decatur facility open.
    "Based on our knowledge and review of facts, we are convinced that the problem is not with the tires made by BFS," stated USWA International vice president John Sellers. "We are committed to moving forward and developing legislative and community-based programs and initiatives to save the Decatur plant and BFS."
    "BFS makes world class tires and the experienced employees at the Decatur facility rank with the best tire builders in the world," stated USWA Local 713 president Roger Gates.
    "The USWA will dedicate whatever resources are necessary to develop a reasonable solution to this crisis," stated Sellers. "Given the circumstances, there is no way we can accept this plant closure."
    BFS officials attending the meeting included CEO John Lampe. Further meetings are anticipated, but no dates have been scheduled.
    The USWA represents more than 8,000 employees at BFS tire facilities nationwide, including 1,800 in Decatur.