Goodyear Workers in Asheboro, NC Say ``Yes'' To Steelworkers Union; Independent Arbitrator Verifies Majority

PITTSBURGH--March 15, 2004--About 350 Goodyear Tire & Rubber workers in Asheboro, North Carolina have reason to celebrate after an independent arbitrator confirmed that a majority of production and maintenance workers have signed United Steelworkers of America (USWA) authorization cards.

The victory comes on the heels of a similar organizing campaign at the Goodyear facility in Statesville, North Carolina in which 130 workers also joined up with the USWA. An arbitrator verified majority support there on Feb. 1, 20042, 2004.

"This victory shows what happens when hard-working men and women are given a free and fair opportunity to decide for themselves if they want union representation or not," said Andrew "Lefty" Palm, USWA Vice President and Chairman of the Goodyear Negotiating Committee.

"We have established a system that builds relationships with workers in unorganized Goodyear facilities. This victory shows that program is working and is working well," Palm said. "We look forward to continuing to build these relationships in the coming months."

The Asheboro workers - who produce steel wire for heavy duty truck tires - will join nearly 19,000 USWA members who already work for Goodyear in North America.

The Asheboro workers were organized through a neutrality agreement that allows the USWA to conduct active organizing campaigns without interference from Goodyear. The agreement also contains guaranteed, first-contract language which allows the workers and the company to negotiate a first contract without the threat of a work stoppage.

"This is how the system is supposed to work. We presented the workers with information on joining the union and they decided for themselves whether or not it is something they wanted. Obviously, these workers felt a union was the right decision," said USWA District 9 Director Connie Entrekin.

The USWA represents more than 1.2 million active and retired workers in a variety of occupations across North America.