Goodyear Deal With Steelworkers Expires

CINCINNATI April 19, 2003; AP reports that steelworkers' contract with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. expired Saturday, but both sides agreed to extend it while negotiating a master contract the union wants to use in talks with other tire makers.

"The extension is an indication of the willingness of the two parties to work toward a solution," Goodyear spokesman Chuck Sinclair said Saturday. "The talks are particularly difficult, given our (financial) position."

Akron-based Goodyear, the world's largest tire company, recently reported a record $1.1 billion annual loss. The United Steelworkers of America union wants to be involved in the company's restructuring.

Approximately 16,000 Steelworkers are employed at 14 Goodyear plants. The union, which began talks with the company last month, wants to produce a contract that can help set guidelines for talks with other tire makers, such as Bridgestone-Firestone and Michelin.