Thousands Around the World Tell Cooper Tire "End the Lockout!"

Thousands joined the United Steelworkers (USW) today at a solidarity rally to support 1,051 members of Local 207L who have been locked out of their jobs at Cooper Tire and Rubber Co. since Nov. 28, 2011, when the company refused the union's offer to remain on the job while negotiations proceeded.

"Management at Cooper Tire needs to stop holding our jobs and this community hostage, end this unfair lockout, join us at the table and bargain in good faith," said USW Secretary Treasurer Stan Johnson, who heads the USW's tire industry bargaining. "The word is out. The unions which represent Cooper Tire facilities around the world are standing with us today."

Johnson said that Nezavisnost, the Serbian union which represents workers at Cooper's recently purchased overseas facility, has already demanded that the company end the lockout and pledged support and resources to bring that about; along with Unite the Union, representing workers at Cooper's Melksham, U.K. plant which has already been distributing USW-provided literature to its members.

Johnson said that he is proud of the members of Local 207L for standing together during this difficult time and that having the support of our families and friends in the community is essential, especially during the holiday season ... more