AKRON, Ohio — The United Steelworkers have declared a strike against Goodyear after the union rejected a proposal from Goodyear. Goodyear officials say the proposal would improve its competitive position while maintaining substantial commitment to manufacturing in North America. Negotiations stalled after the unions proposals to Goodyear did not include key items found in their agreements with competitors.

“We simply cannot accept a contract that knowingly creates a competitive disadvantage versus our foreign-owned competition and increases our cost disadvantage vs. imports,” said Jim Allen, Goodyears chief negotiator.

Goodyears final offer to the union delivered this morning included provisions for job security and significant investments for USW represented plants going forward, a company-funded plan to secure retiree medical benefits and restoration of prior pension service credit.

The strike involves 12 US plants covered under the master labour agreement and four additional facilities in Canada. Workers at the Collingwood, Owen Sound, Toronto Logistics Center and Toronto Commercial/Retread plants are all on strike.

“We remain willing to continue to bargain with the Steelworkers,” Allen said. “In the meantime we have implemented our strike contingency plans at the affected facilities and are working to minimize impact on our customers.”