DECATUR, Ill. (July 18, 2001)—The United Steelworkers of America suspects motives other than production issues behind Bridgestone/Firestone Inc.'s proposed closure of its Decatur, Ill., tire plant.
“Based on our knowledge and review of facts, we are convinced that the problem is not with the tires made by BFS,” USWA International Vice President John Sellers said in a press release after meeting with Bridgestone/Firestone CEO John Lampe in Pittsburgh about the Decatur facility.
USWA Local 713 President Roger Gates also attended the meeting, as did other top Bridgestone/Firestone officials.
A USWA spokesman said the union expects more meetings with the tire maker, although none have yet been scheduled. “It's going to be a thorough examination of available options,” the spokesman said. “Our intent is to keep Decatur open and save those jobs.”