By Eileen Buckley
Tonawanda, NY – Local Goodyear-Dunlop tire workers in Tonawanda will be voting Thursday on a tentative contract deal that could end an 11-week old strike.
Even though the tentative, three-year deal was reached by the United Steel Workers and Goodyear on Friday, union workers continue pickets outside the plant on Sheridan drive in the Town of Tonawanda.
1,100 local tire workers have been without a pay check since October 5th when they walked off the job. Workers were pleased to learn of a tentative deal. But they have not heard all the details of the proposed deal. However, the union says says it will secure retiree healthcare benefits and maintain affordable medical and drug coverage for all workers. The United Steel Workers says the deal also calls to enhance union plants to meet the challenges of global competition.
Union members are scheduled to gather at the Hearthstone Manner in Cheektowaga late Thursday morning to begin voting on the three-year deal. WBFO'S Eileen Buckley talked with some of the striking workers as they continue to walk the local picket lines.
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