Cooper said at the start of the negotiations with United Steelworkers Local 207L some three months ago, the tiremaker “made it clear to the USW that a competitive, cost-effective and timely agreement needed to be reached to avoid a risk to Cooper and its customers of simultaneous work stoppages in Findlay and Cooper’s Texarkana, Ark., manufacturing facility.”
Cooper said it provided several options, including a last, best, and final proposal for a new long-term contract and an offer to extend the recently expired contract for an additional year with no change in terms. “The USW was unwilling to extend the contract more than 30 days, which would have placed the labor agreements at two of Cooper’s major U.S. facilities even closer together,” the tiremaker said in a statement.
USW Local 207L represents more than 1,000 hourly workers in Findlay, while USW Local 752L represents Cooper employees in Texarkana, Texas.
In a statement from the USW, the group condemned Cooper’s decision to enforce a lockout “despite the union’s good faith offer to keep working while negotiations toward a new labor contract proceeded.”
According to USW District 1 Director Dave McCall, the union likely will pursue unlawful bargaining charges against Cooper with the National Labor Relations Board. He added the union is still committed to negotiating a fair contract in Findlay.
“These negotiations have been hindered considerably by Cooper’s behavior at the bargaining table and the company’s determination to instigate a labor dispute,” said USW District 1 sub-director Patrick Gallagher. “Cooper’s intent to test our solidarity became clear the moment the company refused our offer to continue working until we reached a new contract.”
Cooper said it plans to continue manufacturing operations at the Findlay facility with a temporary workforce during the lockout. While some production adjustments may be made in the short-term, the company will “continue to supply its customers with the quality products they have come to expect,” the tiremaker said. “Cooper is committed to making every effort to support its customers during this labor action.”
Cooper noted it is committed to reaching an agreement with the USW, and that dates for future negotiations are currently being finalized.
