Monday, September 24, 2007

Contract Settled, But Problems Persist at Goodyear’s Slovenia Tyre Plant

ICEM InBrief, September 24, 2007

ICEM affiliate Chemical, Non-Metallic, and Rubber Workers’ Union (KNG) of Slovenia and the Sava management of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. at Kranj came to wage terms at a tyre factory this summer, but the new contract still needs attention. At issue is how management is – or rather, is not – implementing language recently inserted into the collective agreement.

In addition to winning Chemical, Non-Metallic, and Rubber Workers' Union (KNG) of Slovenia and the Sava management of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. at Kranj came to wage terms at a tyre factory this summer, but the new contract still needs attention. At issue is how management is – or rather, is not – implementing language recently inserted into the collective agreement. a €90-per-month increase, the 900 workers also agreed to a plan to reduce sick leave in exchange for a sizeable bonus scheme. Management has failed to adequately implement this plan, as well neglecting other aspects of the new agreement. Shop-floor leaders at the Kranj tyre and engineered products plants, Goodyear's prize operations in Eastern and Central Europe, together with and KNG's Andrej Zorko, are eager for managers to put the new collective agreement into effect.

Goodyear produces auto, truck, and bus tyres in Kranj. It makes Sava tyre brands there, as well as its trademarked Avant A3 steer-axle tyre and the Orjak 03 drive-axle tyre. In 2006, Goodyear exceeded all business targets at the Kranj plants. It also made its one millionth tyre there. Goodyear is one of Slovenia's largest exporters.

The company entered into a majority-stake joint venture with the Sava Group in 1998, which gave it 60% of the tyre-making plant and 75% of the engineered products operation. Goodyear paid US$120 million for those stakes. Previously, Continental AG of Germany held a 28% share of Sava.In 2002, Goodyear bought another 20% stake in of operations for US$38.5 million, and, two years later, the company bought up the remaining shares to give it full ownership.

Besides being affiliated to the ICEM, KNG Trade Union is a proud affiliate of the Association of Free Trade Unions (ZSSS) of Slovenia, which is currently leading an effort in the country to offset inflation with increases in salaries for all workers.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

FRENCH GOODYEAR-DUNLOP SITES STILL UNDER THREAT

Les Echos, September 17, 2007

Summary proceedings were launched last week for hindrance to the freedom to work with regard to US tyre manufacturer Goodyear-Dunlop's plans to restructure its French plants in Amiens. French trade unions CGT and SUD called for the two sites to be blocked last Friday in opposition to the referendum on the restructuring plans. The ballot was cancelled as a result, and CGT called for negotiations to resume, despite a picket line still being in place.

Three trade unions representatives have been called before court this morning. Although management at Goodyear-Dunlop is still emphasising that the sites are not threatened with closure, it issued a statement in which it described the blockade as an inadmissible hindrance to staff's freedom of expression, particularly given the uncertainty of the sites' future. It would be a devastating blow to the plants if the company were to cancel the planned 52m-euro investment into upgrading them, and one which local staff intend to avoid at all costs.

 

 

Monday, September 10, 2007

GOODYEAR-DUNLOP TO CONSULT FRENCH STAFF OVER PLANS FOR AMIENS SITES

Les Echos, September 7, 2007

Management at US tyre manufacturer Goodyear-Dunlop is due to consult staff at the company's French sites in Amiens on September 14 and September 15 with regard to plans to restructure the two sites. Following the strikes over the summer, negotiations between management and trade unions appear to be in a state of deadlock. French trade union CGT has refused the reappraisal of the agreement made in 2000 and all restructuring of the organisation of production teams. However, management believes that only through cutting jobs by not replacing employees taking retirement, increasing the plant's annual activity from 329 days to 350 days, and extensively upgrading installations can production be quickly reoriented towards high-performance tyres. Goodyear-Dunlop has said that the Amiens plants must be adapted to the needs of the market.

Mickael Wamen, secretary of CGT at Dunlop, has said that with the same amount of investment, the Amiens plants could be as profitable as the sites in Germany. To avoid further aggravating the issue and thereby affecting the entire investment programme, CGT has called for staff to vote against the decision at the September meetings' referendum. No further strike warnings have been issued.