Cooper Tire, workers settle Arkansas strike

4/8/2005

FINDLAY Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., the second- biggest

U.S. tiremaker, said yesterday it and striking workers at its

Arkansas plant have reached a tentative settlement.

About 1,600 workers, who are members of the United Steelworkers

of America, are to vote on the agreement Sunday. Production

is expected to resume Monday, if the deal is ratified.

The plant produces 40,000 tires daily.

The strike, which began March 12 over health care and

work moved overseas, will cut first-quarter company earnings

by 5 to 7 cents a share, the Fortune 500 firm said.