Union holds gate rally at Warren County Bridgestone plant

“We are in the last stages of negotiations…and we are concerned about erosion of our seniority rights, erosion of our retiree benefits, erosion of the different workplace rules that we have had that have been in place forever.”

Tenpenny said Local 1155L of Morrison represents all union employees at the Warren County Plant— and has about 850 members.

“On top of that, our folks are working more for less,” he said. “Language issues are key because a union is basically a seniority and they are trying to take our seniority rights.”

John Teike said he will celebrate 35 years with Bridgestone in August, and he believes contract negotiations are something that affects employees of all seniority.

“We are out here to support the members of Local 1155L,” he said. “We need to look out for our new hires and get some good language for them, and we are trying just to show some solidarity.”

Teike said he is planning on retiring soon, but remains a passionate union member.

“This is a whole family,” he said. “It is the new hires coming in, it is their future as well as my future as a retiree.”

Kyran Gaubin said he has worked for Bridgestone for about one-year.

“It is important for all of us to band together when we have needs that need to be met,” he said

Tom Westlake, USW Local 1155L vice president, said during the gate rally that the employees are looking for a fair labor agreement.

“The bottom line is it has been long overdue for a fair contract at the Warren County plant, so we came out here to rally together and show our solidarity to try and obtain a good contract for everybody,” he said.

Tenpenny said that hopes are that negotiations will not come down to a strike, but that is on the table.

“You always have to look forward but if things don’t work out we are prepared to do what must be done,” he said. “You can’t ever take that off…that is the last tool in the toolbox. We are hoping it doesn’t come to that.”

Emily Weaver, director of communications for Bridgestone America’s, said in a statement that Bridgestone is currently engaged in negotiations with USW representatives for six facilities throughout the country.

“We are committed to an open and good-faith discussion and we’re optimistic that a mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached,” the statement said.