Goodyear, U.S. union reach deal

[CHIMO]

CLEVELAN — Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and a union representing about 12,600 union workers in the U.S. said they tentatively agreed Friday to a new contract that would end an 11-week strike over health care benefits and Goodyear's plan to close a tire factory in Texas.

The third-largest tiremaker and the United Steelworkers union reached the deal after both sides resumed talks in Pittsburgh early this week. The strike began Oct. 5.

The union says the deal would require Goodyear to drop plans to close the plant in Tyler, Texas, immediately in return for an offer of a retirement buyout. The plant employs 1,100 workers.

The previous three-year labour agreement expired July 22.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20061222.wgoodyear1222/BNStory/Business/home

[Omaha Steve]

1. Great news

K & R!

[LizW]

2. Thank goodness

Workers near here have been striking and it has been tough for them.

[Wcross]

3. Thats good news.

I am with one of their competitors. Although I am staff, I hate contract time because the company seems to crack down on everyone. I am also hoping my company offers buyouts, I would take one in a heartbeat.