Cooper Tire sues to enjoin pickets

3/18/2005

TEXARKANA, Ark. Cooper Tire and Rubber Co. has sued to

prevent striking union members from blocking access to its plant

here.

The Findlay company filed for an injunction yesterday in Miller

County Circuit Court, claiming union picketers have obstructed

traffi c and harassed vehicles on the roads leading to and from

the plant. A judge was expected to take up the case this week.

The strike started Sunday and talks ended Monday. The plant

employs 2,000, many of whom are represented by the United

Steelworkers union. Union members have said health benefits are the key sticking point in the contract negotiations.