MAYFIELD, Ky. (Oct. 4, 2004) — The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has dismissed unfair labor practice charges against Continental Tire North America (CTNA) Inc. brought by the United Steelworkers of America concerning Conti's decision to end tire production at Conti´s Mayfield plant.
“As we have repeatedly said, the company's decision to suspend tire production in Mayfield was based upon the high cost of producing tires at the plant,” said Nick Fletcher, vice president of human resources at Conti. “The NLRB's decision confirms that the CTNA took this action for legitimate, business-related reasons.”
Conti announced on June 29 that it would suspend tire production indefinitely at the plant by year-end. On July 9, the union filed unfair labor practice charges, alleging that Conti announced the closure “for discriminatory purposes,” Conti said. The tire maker said the union also filed similar charges in another region of the NLRB, charging the suspension was announced to “intimidate employees.”
According to the tire maker, the NLRB said the union presented “insufficient evidence to establish a violation.” The union has 14 days to file an appeal.