Workers to return to Bryan tire plant

12/24/2010

BRYAN — Workers at Titan Tire Corp. in Bryan are expected return to work Monday after the company enforced a lockout during contract negotiations, a union official said Friday.

John Bowling, unit chairman for the United Steelworkers Local 890L, said union members voted down a contract offer from Titan on Thursday. The union represents 240 active workers at the company's Williams County plant and 100 who are laid off.

Titan locked workers out Dec. 17 while waiting for the contract vote. Mr. Bowling said he received notice Thursday that Titan will enforce the recently rejected contract, which it called its “last and final offer,” and that workers are expected to return for their normal shifts Monday.

The union and the company have been at odds over such issues including mandatory overtime, insurance premiums, and vacation time.

Company officials could not be reached for comment.

Mr. Bowling said the union is not planning to strike.