United Steelworkers Push for BFG Closure Negotiations

The United Steelworkers (USW), the union that represents some 1,000 employees at the Tuscaloosa B.F. Goodrich Plant, is seeking negotiations with the company's management. They want to discuss the impacts the Michelin owned company's announced closure of the plant will have on employees, their families and the community.

"B.F. Goodrich employees have dedicated years of their lives to producing quality products and strengthening this company," USW District 9 Director Daniel Flippo was quoted as saying in a press release this morning from the union's Pittsburgh headquarters. "They deserve respect, transparency and a meaningful voice as they face the consequences of a decision made by corporate executives."

Michelin North America cited structural inefficiencies, outdated infrastructure and a need for market consolidation as the reasons for the two-year phase out of their Tuscaloosa operations.

“Due to the size, footprint and infrastructure of the Fort Wayne factory, that site is better positioned to consolidate the capacity and meet future demands for the success of BFGoodrich Tires,” Terry Redmile, Michelin’s senior vice president for manufacturing operations in the Americas, said in the closing announcement. “Unfortunately, we could not identify any feasible structure that would enable us to continue operating in Tuscaloosa while also supporting long-term value creation across our factories in North America.”

Several plant employees who did not want to be publicly identified, told Tuscaloosa Thread all of the reasons given for the closure are the result of company inattention to maintaining and upgrading the 80-year-old facility.

The union says it will use every available avenue to protects the rights and interests of the workers who have given so much to make the company successful.

"The workers at this facility are more than numbers on a balance sheet," Flippo stated. "They are neighbors, parents, community members, and skilled professionals who have spent years contributing to the company's success. We will fight to ensure they are treated with the dignity and fairness they have earned."

Flippo pointed out the closure affects more than the workers but also local businesses, suppliers and the community as a whole.

The union leader vowed the USW will stand with its members, their families, and the Tuscaloosa community throughout the process.

Non-profits, businesses, community organizations and local governments have all announced efforts to support BFG employees during and after the shutdown process which begins next year.