the history of the united rubber workers

THE HISTORY
OF THE
UNITED RUBBER WORKERS/
UNITED STEELWORKERS
IN
GADSDEN, ALABAMA
1933 – 2015
110 HOKE STREET
EAST GADSDEN, ALABAMA
The History
of The
United Rubber Workers
– United Steelworkers in
Gadsden, Alabama
1933-2015
By Gene Howard – 1933-1983
The continuation of the history of
The United Rubber Workers/ United
Steelworkers Local 12 in Gadsden,
Alabama, 1983-2015
David Hayes, Local 12L President
Mickey Williams, former Local 12L
President (retired)
Troy Word, former Local 12L
Executive Board Member (retired)
INFORMATION TIMELINE 1933-2014
1933
1935
1938
1940
1943
1945
1947
1951
1952
New labor organization chartered in Gadsden
E. L. Gray arrested.
First URW convention
President Roosevelt asked Alabama Governor
to restore the American Bill of Rights in Gadsden
Union members walked out of plant demanding protection from violence
NLRB ruled against Goodyear
URW wins election
First contract – August 25, 1943
4,000 worked at Goodyear
First company-wide contract (Master Agreement)
Family Savings Credit Union established
Local 12 union hall built.
Christmas party for exceptional children began.
First one was held at Elliott Community Center
1954
First nationwide strike.
First Pension, Insurance and Service Award Agreement won by Union.
1960
B&C Tire Organized
1967
Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (SUB) was negotiated
1970
Prescription Drug benefit was negotiated
1971
Division Chairman selection was changed from appointed to elected.
1973
Preferential Hiring was negotiated
Prescription Drug benefit negotiated for future retirees
1974
Prescription drugs extended to all retirees
1976
Longest nationwide strike in URW history.
60,000 URW members on strike
COLA was negotiated.
President E. L. Hayes negotiated massive expansion
that brought radial tires to Gadsden
1979 Union wins “Shift Preference” language
Chiropractic care negotiated
1983
First local union picnic (40th Anniversary)
Local 12 Food Bank established for laid off members
1984
1985
Continuous operations implemented (F Plan)
1986
1987
1988
1989
Boaz Concessionary Agreement became effective April 20, 1987.
1990
More bias tire production was idled resulting in 430 furloughs.
1991
1992
Flaps Production shutdown.
1993
50th Anniversary picnic
1994
Personal protective equipment negotiated.
Fisher Industry organized
A second vote was held at a membership meeting to determine if membership
wished to change from 12-hour continuous to another continuous plan.
Membership voted “no change”.
Goodyear hires production employees for first time in five (5) years
“War of 94” in Rubber Industry
Gadsden Local 12L issued negative vote on Master Agreement.
Informational pickets at Local Union Headquarters
Bridgestone/Firestone, General, Dunlop/Sumitomo, Yokahoma and
others on strike. Striker replacements used at many locations.
1995
1997
1998
Family Savings Credit Union organized
E. K. Bowers Scholarship started
Joint Process implemented
Goodyear Medical Center opened
Bias tire production reduced
Tube plant shut down
Final bias tire built.
Radial light truck expansion completed.
In April membership approved the 12-hour continuous operation
Light truck radial production began
Goodyear Warehouse closed.
URW merged with USWA (June 30, July 1 and 2, 1995).
Local 12 change to Local 12L as part of the merger changes
Goodyear Local 12L on 3-week company-wide strike
Lead Hand Concept and Daywork Bonus System introduced into the local
Goodyear Labor Agreement. Retirees Christmas party began.
Bladder and sleeves operation shut down
1999
Goodyear announce acquisition of 75% of Dunlop N.A. Tire
Complete discontinuation of tire production in Gadsden Plant
announced in February
Gadsden Staffing Agreement negotiated to continue tire production in October
2000
Reopener from the 1997 Agreement was successful
2001
Etowah Steelworkers Credit Union was amalgamated into Local 12L
The Gadsden plant reverted back to eight (8) hour shifts resulting in the
layoff of one (1) shift. Prior to this all members had been recalled from
layoff and Goodyear was hiring production employees for the first time
in five (5) years.
2002
2003
Flex Schedule Agreement was approved by membership
2004
Productivity Improvement Agreement (Tool Kit)
E. K. Bowers was inducted into the Alabama Labor Hall of Fame Posthumous
2005
E. L. Hayes was inducted into the Alabama Labor Hall of Fame Posthumous
Safety Structure Established
2006 2007
Company-wide Strike
2008
Target Zero Safety Auditor Appointment
2009
Master negotiations
2010
Secretary Barbara Grady passed away.
Local 12L hires Elaine Carter as secretary for Local 12L to work part time.
The “Institute for Career Development” was negotiated.
Ethel Sheffield Celebrates 60 Years of Service
Goodyear sold off associated products plants
V.M.I. Expansion
The “Institute for Career Development” implemented.
Local 12L Safety Coordinator appointed
2012Layoff
2013
Master Negotiations
Recall of Laid Off Members
Sidney Richardson recognized for seniority record of 70 years service
2014
Goodyear announced freeze of defined benefit pension.
Defined benefit pension changed to a defined contribution pension.
Goodyear Gadsden plant wins Manufacturer of the Year Award for State
of Alabama. USW Local 12L was recognized.
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B.F.
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ridiculed
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Mihclick
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Local 12L Officers and Staff
L – R Mickey Williams, Div. A Chairman; Rita Amos, P&I Rep.; Kip Williams, Treasurer; Jean Pruett, FS; Jack Mitchell, RS; Lloyd “Cus” Cuskaden, VP; David Hayes,
Pres.; Tony Townsend, Div. E Chairman; Eric “Big E” Hubbard, Div. B Chairman.
A Continuation: The History of the United Rubber Workers/ United Steelworkers,
Local 12L Gadsden, Alabama, 1983 to 2015
The purpose of Local 12 continues to be to represent the members in their
workplace through negotiations, administration and arbitration. The Local
continues to be prevalent in the community through supporting many charities
financially as well as the personal contact of our members. In addition, Local 12
has supplied the communities our members live in with very talented individuals
who serve them as elected officials. We have many members that have served
as mayors, council members, commissioners, school board members and many
other elected and appointed positions.
In 1986, “global competitiveness” came front and center to our local. A quote from
a joint in-house news release from Local 12 President O.A. Garrard and Goodyear
Gadsden Plant Manager Ed Steffey was as follows:
“Our plant and its people face the most difficult transition in history - one that
requires the understanding and active support of each employee. We must
refocus our vision on the global marketplace and become competitive there rather
than limit our focus as we have in the past to other American tire companies.”
This was not well received by our membership, however we did what was necessary
to meet the challenge (see 1986 Boaz Agreement).
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This “global competitiveness” added a new dimension to how the officers and
staff view their duties to Local 12. Over the years many Goodyear plants have
closed or been sold. It became just as important to the officers and staff to make
sure jobs continue and provide the best representation possible.
One thing that was not a major issue prior to 1983 was the Union’s concerns about
profitability as pattern bargaining was the top concern. This kept the playing field
level. Pattern bargaining is still important but competition from abroad must also
be of great importance as with production from non-union plants which get a free
ride on wages and benefits from the unionized plants. If there were no Union
plants, wages and benefits would most likely stagnate or fall. At the end of the day
profitability is what keeps a plant open. This is not to say equipment, management
and ticket does not contribute, because it does.
URW International President Peter Bommarito reminded the delegates at the 1978
convention, following the record-long strike of 1976, “Management has never said,
‘Here’s more, you deserve it.’
All the gains required sacrifices by every member of our Union. All of us together
squared our shoulders to preserve these goals with determination because we
believe in decent and fair wages and benefits for the work we do.”
To understand the past efforts of the members of Local 12L and the Union
leadership who, without these efforts, there would be no jobs or Local 12L. The
following Goodyear plants have been closed or sold and of these many of our
current members and retirees preferential hired from:
Los Angeles, CATires
Maryville, OHAssociate Products
St. Marys, OH
Associate Products
Lincoln, NBAssociate Products
Freeport, ILTires
New Bedford, MAAssociate Products
Madisonville, KYAssociate Products
New Toronto, CanadaTires
Union City, TNTires
Sun Prairie, WS Associate Products
Tyler, TXTires
Huntsville, ALTires
Jackson, MITires
Stow, OHAssociate Products
Windsor, VTAssociate Products
North Chicago, ILAssociate Products
Muncie, INTires
Cumberland, MDTires
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Scottsboro, ALFabric
Cedartown, GAFabric
Carterville, GAFabric
The Gadsden Plant is the oldest location Goodyear built outside Akron, Ohio and
continues to operate as of this writing. This is a tribute to all the members that
ever worked in Gadsden. Unpopular decisions were made to always benefit the
whole and never to benefit the few. The members made every decision by vote
after being fully informed. It cannot be any other way.
We Survived: This does not mean the Gadsden plant was better equipped, better
managed, or had better workers. Correct decisions were made by our leadership
and membership at the correct time. Things happened in the industry that had
a direct bearing on Gadsden, such as the Firestone problems of 1999, but it was
completely out of our hands. It’s never a joy to see other plants closed. Many of
our members know firsthand the devastation of a family unit that has to relocate
or become unemployed.
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past and present are
certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy
George Burdon, who served as URW President from 1960 to 1966 summed it up
well and I quote in relevant part:
“Too many of our members---young and old alike—think that the union today is
a slot machine”. That you put your dues in one end and the wage increases and
vacation and pensions and insurance and seniority and job protection come out
the other end. You and I know different. We know that the stuff of this union is
the sweat and the dedication; the time away from home; the meetings and the
arguments; the hours of Preparation of cases; the abuse we take from an unhappy
member; the days and weeks on the picket line. This is the human stuff that built
this union and this is the blood and sweat and tears that it’s going to take to keep
this union great.”
He wanted the URW to show, “Unity of purpose in achieving goals we have set for
ourselves at this convention; unity of cause in facing together, with an unbroken
front, the companies with which we bargain; unity of dedication in bringing the
message of unionism to those not yet under our banner; unity of brotherhood in
creating, in our hearts and by our action, that full and free opportunity, which is the
birthright of every American.”
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1983 – 40th Anniversary Picnic
This is how some of the 5,000 hot
dogs went missing
Former presidents: C.V. Glasseo, Ernie Hayes, E.K. Bowers, Lindsey
Elsberry, Virgil Thompson
Fortieth
Anniversary
Celebration
Milan Stone, O.A. Garrard, Stanley Somo
Gay Cardwell, the only surviving
member of Local 12’s first state of
officers in 1943, talks with Ben
Thompson
Estimated 4,000
attend Noccalula
picnic
(Photos by Bobby Shell)
Bobby Williamson and Gene
Howard sign autographs
Ernie Hayes speaks to picnic audience
Robert Beason and Terrell Walden
with their “chaws”
Joe Mullinax hides behind his wife
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Robert Lancaster and Carl Frazier
watch Mayor Means present resolution to O.A. Garrard.
1983 – Local 12 Food Bank Established
1984 – Continuous Operation
In 1984 Goodyear requested to have discussions with the Union concerning
the future of Radial Tire Production in Gadsden. For the Radial Plant to stay
competitive in the industry, continuous operation would be necessary. This would
have a savings on start-ups, shutdowns, double time, time and one-half, and
utilization of equipment. This would also increase employment by one shift.
The Union voted to accept continuous operations and chose a 6 2/3 work schedule
referred to as “F” Plan. The plan details were negotiated with the Company and
implemented.
Due to production requirements and the discontentment of membership “F” Plan
Continuous Operations was discontinued during the “Boaz” negotiations in 1986.
1985 - Family Savings Credit Union
1985 – Several employees of the Credit Union asked Local Union President Garrard
to investigate the possibilities of the credit union employees becoming members
of Local 12. A vote of the employees made the decision to organize and be
represented by URW Local 12.
Division Chairman W. T. Davenport was assigned to represent this Unit. Davenport
and President Garrard negotiated the first Agreement.
This was somewhat of an unusual situation being that all the officers of the Credit
Union were also active or retired members of Local 12 and the Credit Union
members were also members of Local 12. This did not prove to be an issue with
most people involved. This writer believes it speaks highly of all involved as the
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Credit Union officers and the Local Union officers involved in negotiations and
representation of both entities were above reproach.
C. V. Glassco, past Local 12 President, became President of the Credit Union for a
period. At this date Pat Williamson, a former Local 12 Executive Board Member, is
President of the credit union. Division E Chairman Butch Mitchell has been a long
time representative of the members, since 1992 to this writing.
Also, Jean Pruett, an employee of Family Savings Federal Credit Union, is the
current and has been the Financial Officer of Local 12 since 1995.
The current union membership is 53 with assets and deposits of $317,242,656.00.
1985 - E. K. Bowers Scholarship Fund
The E. K. Bowers Scholarship Fund was established in 1985 for our members who
have a dependent in a College/University or who will enroll in current calendar year
and as of this date is still available for members of Local 12L.
The Scholarship Fund was established in recognition of E. K. Bowers, one of our
Local’s greatest labor leaders, and holds a unique place in our Local’s history.
E.K. Bowers worked endlessly for his Local Union. E. K. Bowers, recognizing the
perception that was made of Unions, in our organizing efforts, knew that Local 12
needed to show the citizens of Gadsden and Etowah County and the surrounding
counties that the Union and their leaders and their members were not the thugs
and hoodlums that they were portrayed by the news media and local government
leaders at that time. He, as President of Local 12, helped start and was on the
boards of many Community and Civic Organizations, many of which Local 12 and
its membership still support today.
There were many people who helped financially to start the Scholarship Fund. One of the first was the late Etowah County Sheriff James Hayes, son of former
Local 12 President, the late E. L. Hayes and brother to current President David
Hayes. Sheriff Hayes was elected with the all-out support of organized labor and
no one worked harder than E. K. Bowers to help get Sheriff Hayes elected. E.
K. Bowers made the statement many times, and Sheriff Hayes also, that in 1935,
the Sheriff at that time stood by and watched Company goons beat the Union
Organizers without intervening and today we have the son of a former Local 12
President elected Sheriff. Sheriff Hayes was elected in 1986 and was subsequently
re-elected and served until his untimely death in 2007, distinguishing him as the
longest serving Sheriff in Etowah County history.
Today the E.K. Bowers Scholarship Fund is funded by USW Local 12L and Family
Savings Credit Union.
Scholarships have been utilized by 175 children of Local 12L members.
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1985 Joint Process
The Union and Goodyear Agreed to involve themselves into a process called “Joint
Process”. The Company brought in Dolan Associates which included Robert
Hughes as a facilitator. A large number of union members, including most local
union officers embraced the process. Shortly after its inception Melvin Oliver
was approved by membership to be the Union Coordinator along with a Company
Coordinator. The membership had the Union position placed on the 1989 election
ballot and Melvin Oliver was elected. Sometime later Tony Erwin and Jimmy Scott
were elected and served as coordinators. Following the 1994 Master negotiations
interest in the process faded by both the Company and membership and by 1999
most, if not all, efforts had ceased. The Union Coordinator position was eliminated
and removed from the ballot box by the 2000 election.
1986 Boaz Agreement
In 1986 Local 12 was offered the opportunity to take concessions and continue
producing tires. If Gadsden refused, they would be shut down and the Cumberland,
Maryland, and New Toronto, Canada plants would continue to operate. Talks
continued for several months in increments.
These talks were accelerated in view of an unsolicited takeover attempt by AngloFrench financier Sir James Goldsmith and Goodyear’s decision to restructure in
its attempt to block this takeover. Goldsmith was known for buying the assets of
a company and selling them off in a piecemeal fashion.
Following the ratification at Gadsden it was announced that the Cumberland, MD,
and New Toronto Canada plants would be closed. The Gadsden vote for ratification
was 1769 for and 436 opposed. Some details of this Agreement were as follows:
•
In an attempt to lower costs by 30 million ($30,000,000) at the Gadsden
plant and slow the demise of bias tires production, the Company asked
the Union for certain concessions. Among the concessions agreed
was Goodyear’s desire to create a “General Maintenance Mechanic”
Classification or “G.M.M.” Job. This would combine certain Skilled Trade
Classifications into one. Also, to discontinue piecework operations
throughout the factory and additional financial considerations.
•
This Agreement was to be implemented without a drop in production
with the same number of employees.
•
The Company assured the Union if this was successful, Gadsden would
be the last plant to produce our product line of bias tires.
•
The Company actually brought more bias production to the Gadsden
plant following the Agreement.
This proved not to be a successful strategy for the Company.
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Some of our members did not respond well in tire building and other former
piecework operations as production fell. At the same time, the Company was
demanding the tire builders meet certain production levels. This was a violation
of the spirit of the Agreement as it had been agreed there would be no production
numbers used, only a requirement to put forth a reasonable effort and remain on
the job the contractual amount of time.
O. A. Garrard was President in the spring of 1986, in the early stages of the
discussions and continued until his term ended in November. President Garrard
did not seek re-election and W. T. Davenport, who was a Division Chairman and
involved in the negotiations, was elected President.
This Agreement became known as the “Boaz Agreement” as it was negotiated
offsite at a location in Boaz, Alabama and became effective April 20, 1987.
Local 12 Members Protest Goldsmith Takeover at the Gadsden Merrill Lynch Office
1987 - The Goodyear Medical Center
In 1987 the Goodyear Medical Center was opened as a joint effort between Local
12 and the Company. This was an attempt to reduce medical costs at the Gadsden
location. This proved to be a benefit to the Company and our membership,
including our retirees. The Medical Center was closed in 2007 following the
Master negotiations that moved all retirees from the Company’s insurance rolls to
a Voluntary Employee’s Beneficiary Association (V.E.B.A.).
1988 Bias Tire Production
Bias tire production was reduced along with reductions in the tube plant. Six
hundred and four (604) members were laid off from these reductions.
1989 Tube Plant Shutdown
In 1966 the tube plant was expanded and in 1979 production had reached 30,000
tubes per day in Gadsden. Goodyear found itself with too much production of
tubes as with the application of inner liner in tire construction now being a method
used in most tires. The tube plant permanently shut down with the remaining tube
plant employees being transferred to other portions of the plant including vacation
replacements.
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Two versions of tube plant, left photo sorting tubes and one on right is curing tubes
1991 Flap Production Shutdown
In 1979, production of flaps was at 15,000 per day in Gadsden. Flap production
was discontinued along with additional bias tire production resulting in 146 people
being furloughed. (A Flap was inserted around the rim prior to mounting the tube
and tire to protect the tube.)
1992 - Final Bias Tire Built
The final bias tire was produced in Gadsden. The radial light truck expansion was
completed that absorbed the number of reductions from bias tires and actually
added 30 new jobs.
At this same time continuous operations (12-hour shifts) was implemented
following membership action to accept. This provision added 267 employees to
the plant.
In all there was a total reduction of 1132 members as a result of bias tube and flap
production being eliminated. This was almost 40% of our members.
In 1979 Gadsden produced 54,000 tires per day along with 1,500 bladders, 15,000
flaps and 30,000 tubes with over 4,000 employees.
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Photo of a Bias Tire Being Built
1992 – Production of Wrangler Truck Tires
In 1992 Local 12 President J. R. Countryman was successful in securing a Light
Truck Radial expansion to produce Wrangler truck tires.
As production of Wrangler truck tires began in the new expansion thirty (30) new
jobs were added plus many transferred from bias production as it was being
discontinued. This saved many members jobs, who would have been laid off.
Later the plant converted to 12-hour, continuous operation adding an additional
267 jobs.
1993 – 50th Anniversary
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1994 – “War of ‘94”
War of ’94 (See URW/USWA Merger). During the 1994 Master contract negotiations;
some Local 12 members had high expectations. When their expectations were
not met as a Tentative Agreement was reached, several members formed an
informational picket at the Union Hall. This was communicated to the Master
Bargaining Committee but to no avail. When voting was completed on the Tentative
Agreement Local 12 was in the minority, voting no.
1995 – Goodyear Warehouse Closure
In the early years Goodyear Gadsden needed a location in the Gadsden area to
store and warehouse tires. Over time Goodyear opened two locations, one being
the Tuscaloosa Avenue Warehouse and the second being the Gaird Warehouse in
Glencoe.
In 1993 Goodyear acquired a warehouse south of Atlanta, Georgia, and began
to downsize and close the Glencoe location. In 1995 it was announced that
the Tuscaloosa Avenue location would also be closed. The Union negotiated
preferential hiring opportunities to the Goodyear Gadsden plant for some with
many receiving closure benefits as had been previously negotiated for Goodyear
Master locations. This was commonly known as a “Me Too Agreement”.
At one time there were over 200 people at both warehouses
1995 Merger of URW and USWA
Local Union 12 Delegates to the USWA Merger Convention
The merger of the URW with the USWA might never have been except for the “War
of ‘94”.
The “War of ‘94” came about when the URW struck Bridgestone/Firestone Locals
on July 12, 1994. About 8,200 URW members from various companies, the majority
who were from Bridgestone/Firestone, were on strike at one time. That number
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was down to about 5,000 by December.
During the strike the companies brought in striker replacements. Bridgestone/
Firestone actually maintained 50% - 75% of their normal production. Nationwide
this rarely happened prior to President Reagan replacing the air traffic controllers
in the 1980’s. By comparison, during the 1976 URW industry-wide strike there was
little production from any company.
By January 1995 strikers began to return unconditionally. The URW’s financial
condition was not good and a special Convention was called for January 24, 1995,
to raise dues for the Strike Fund. The delegates voted to temporarily increase
dues from $1.00 to $3.00, depending on the member’s hourly wage.
URW President Ken Coss began discussions about a merger with President
George Becker of the USWA during the February AFL-CIO meeting. On March
16, 1995, Coss brought the merger issue to the International Executive Board and
received a unanimous vote to pursue it.
A Merger Convention was called for June 30, 1995, with Local 12 sending the full
complement of delegates. The merger was approved by a 2/3 majority with three
(3) votes to spare. Local 12 delegates did not support the merger but accepted
it with thoughts that it was the best outcome possible considering the URW’s
financial condition. In the following years this proved very beneficial to Local
12L membership. At the time of the merger the USWA had a membership of near
600,000 and a strike fund of $166,000,000. The URW membership had fallen to
about 90,000 members. This was roughly half the number of URW members
twenty (20) years earlier.
1997 Goodyear Nationwide Strike
During the ’97 Goodyear negotiations a nationwide strike was called. Nine (9) local
unions walked out April 19, 1997 and did not return until May 4, 1997.
The settlement called for a 6-year Agreement with a reopener in 2000 on wages,
pension multiplier and other issues and may be referred to interest arbitration in
2000 if no settlement could be reached.
During this set of negotiations it was agreed that the Kelly-Springfield locals
would be brought under the Master Agreement and would participate in the 2000
reopener.
The Tentative Agreement was ratified by an 82% majority.
1997 Lead Hand Concept
The Lead Hand Concept was a negotiated item during the local negotiations. It
allowed for production employees to choose a person in their work area to do
some management duties such as offering overtime, accepting report offs,
vacations and other matters. This did not remove the company from responsibility
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in missed overtime or other contractual violations. The lead hand was also not
responsible for discipline. This was widely used in the factory for several years
and was successful in reducing management numbers in the factory to about 100
people. In 2003 Master negotiations a letter to extend the Lead Hand Concept to all
Master plants using Gadsden as a model was agreed to. This concept is not being
utilized at present, but is a continuing part of the Agreement.
1997 – The Daywork Bonus System
The Daywork Bonus System was first applied to the radial light truck tire building
job and later to the ARF tire building jobs. After successful applications on tire
building the system was applied in several other areas of the plant.
In the early years the system was very successful with the bonus capped at $3.00
per hour, if certain levels of production were met. Later the cap was raised and
then removed.
In 2009 Master Negotiations the Daywork Bonus System was replaced with a plantwide bonus plan.
1997 – Retiree’s Christmas Party
For many years there was a tradition established that allowed retirees to enter the
plant during Christmas holidays to have holiday dinner within their old department.
In 1997 the company discontinued the practice for safety and insurance reasons.
That Christmas, the local put an ad in the newspaper inviting all retirees to the
union hall for a retiree Christmas party with refreshments. This was an extremely
popular occasion and over the years evolved to a full-catered meal with the location
being shifted to Gadsden Convention Hall because of large attendance. At the 2013
party approximately 500 retirees attended the Christmas party.
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1998 – Bladder and Sleeve Operation Shutdown
The bladder and sleeve department produced products for many years for the
Gadsden plant and in 1965 began producing for outside plants. In 1979 the peak
production was about 1,500 per day.
In 1991 production was moved from the New Bedford plant. In 1993 Goodyear did
a study to determine if additional production could be added but, the study came
up negative. In 1998 the entire operation was shut down.
1999 Complete Discontinuation of Tire Production in Gadsden Plant
In February Goodyear announced acquisition of 75% of Dunlop N.A. Tire and gave
notice to the Union that tire production would be discontinued in Gadsden leaving
only a mix center with 187 people remaining.
Goodyear Gadsden announced that tire production would be discontinued by the
4th quarter of that year. The announcement stated the Gadsden Plant was opened
in 1929 and was described as an old, high-cost plant without modern technology.
This would leave only a mix center with 187 employees, thus avoiding a complete
plant closure.
After several attempts to apply the Plant Closure Articles of the Collective
Bargaining Agreement, a Tentative Agreement was reached in April being, “The
Gadsden Layoff Agreement”
During the layoff Local 12L members preferential hired to Union City, Danville,
Maryville, and Topeka plants.
In July of 1999 Goodyear North American management was shuffled. Bill Sharp
was moved from European Operations to the post of President of Goodyear North
America.
In August 1999 President Mickey Williams wrote Bill Sharp a letter concerning the
position of the Gadsden plant and to press the point that Gadsden was not as
described by the previous management group. Also, Company documents that
the Union were privileged to that showed the Gadsden Plant was better than some
other plants and cost had been reduced by the implementation of the “Daywork
Bonus Agreement” and other things the employees had done.
By the time this letter was sent the tire production ticket had dropped to 5,000 tires
per day. Even though the Union was given this grave situation, production had not
fallen per employee. This also was described in the letter.
During this same time period the Bridgestone/Firestone Tire Company was in
legal battles over its light truck radial tires, which left automakers and the public
shopping for other brands.
All of the above together set the stage for the Gadsden plant to have an opportunity
for the future.
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In October 1999 President Williams was asked to meet with Bill Sharp while at an
Interim Meeting in Longboat Key, Florida. In this meeting was Bill Sharp, John
Orr (Director of Manufacturing), Jim Allen (North American Director of Human
Resources), Dick Davis (Vice President of USWA) and Mickey Williams, President,
Local 12L).
Bill Sharp said that Gadsden’s product line was losing money but he felt,
considering all the things already described in this writing, Gadsden could
be successful with a better ticket and changes to the Collective Bargaining
Agreement that would put Gadsden in a better position to succeed long term.
Sharp said he was putting his future with Goodyear on the line as most at Akron
Headquarters had been convinced that Gadsden could not succeed. He also
agreed that if Local 12L did not want to accept his offer we would not be any
worse off and would still have the “Gadsden Layoff Agreement”. If accepted and
the restart fails the Layoff Agreement would be back in force with new dates. He
also said producing tires in North America was personally important to him but
Goodyear had other options if Gadsden chose not to do this or it does not work out.
Local 12L voted to accept the Tentative Agreement referred to as the Gadsden
Staffing Agreement by a vote of 655 for and 210 against.
2000 Reopener of Master Negotiations
In 2000 Master negotiations something new was in the making. This was the
first negotiations that included presidents and policy members from the Dunlop
and Kelly Springfield (both Goodyear owned or partially owned) Locals. These
included Locals 746L, Tyler, TX, 959L Fayetteville, NC, 745L, Freeport, IL, 915L,
Huntsville, AL and 135L, Buffalo, NY, in addition to all the Goodyear Master locals.
This was also the second phase of the 1997, six (6) year Agreement. If an agreement
could not be reached in these 2000 negotiations it would be referred to Interest
Arbitration.
These negotiations were successful and many gains were achieved. This was, in
part, because the other tire companies set the pattern that the Goodyear Policy
Committee negotiated too.
2001 - Gadsden Plant Reverts Back to Eight Hour (8-Hour) Shifts
The Gadsden Plant reverted back to eight hour (8-hour) shifts resulting in the
layoff of one (1) shift or 220 members. Prior to this, all members on layoff had
been recalled and Goodyear had hired employees the first time in five (5) years.
2001 – Etowah Steelworkers Credit Union
Etowah Steelworkers Credit Union was amalgamated into Local 12L as a result of
Gulf States Steel closing and USWA Local 2176 no longer being their bargaining
agent. Etowah Steelworkers Credit Union changed to Community Credit Union on
March 20, 2001, and then changed their name to WinSouth on June 26, 2012. The
current union membership is 35 with assets and deposits of $231,233,157.11.
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2002 Flexible Scheduling
As a result of the 8-hour schedule being implemented in 2001 an entire shift of
employees were placed on layoff. To minimize future layoffs flexible scheduling
was agreed to so as to allow the Company the flexibility to schedule 40, 42, or 48
hours in a work week when working continuous operations on 12-hour shifts.
Because of this schedule the Company hired, recalled from layoff and accepted
preferential hires from Dunlop in Huntsville of 267 people.
At the time the new schedule was adopted, Local 12L was the only plant in the
company’s North America Tire Division to be on a 12-hour flexible schedule and
served as a model.
2003 – Ethel Sheffield
Ms. Ethel Sheffield celebrated 60 years of seniority in 2003. At that time, Ms.
Ethel had the most seniority at Goodyear worldwide and also had the most years
as a member of USW Local 12L. Ms. Sheffield passed away in 2005 with 62 years
seniority.
..
2003 and 2007 - ICD
ICD stands for Institute for Career Development.
Since 1991 the Institute has implemented a shared vision of the USW and
participating steel and rubber companies to provide support services for the
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education training and personal development of Steelworkers.
The ICD came about in 1989 when the United Steelworkers of America (now called
United Steelworkers) entered into a contractual agreement with several steel
companies to form the Career Development Program. In this agreement 10¢ for
every hour worked by a steelworker went into the Career Development Program
Fund. Since that time, the amount has been raised to 15¢ per hour.
In 2003 financing of the institute was to charge to .04¢ for each tire sold by the
North America Tire Business Units and .075% of the revenue generated by the
Engineered Products Division’s North American Business.
In 2006 ICD was financed by a contribution of ten (10) cents for each hour worked
by bargaining unit employees covered by the agreement.
As of to date (2014) there have been 550 employees who have taken classes in the
ICD Program.
The ICD Program was brought back from 2003 Master negotiations by Local 12L
President Larry Thrasher and Policy Member Randall Eubanks and implemented
by Local 12L President Dennis Battles and the Executive Board in 2007. ICD offices
are currently housed at Gadsden State Technical College.
2004 Tool Kit
During the 2003 Master negotiations the parties, in an effort to improve the
competitive positions of the North American plants, agreed that each local would
develop a Local Improvement Plan, referred to as the Tool Kit, using Approved
Took Kit Items listed in a Master Letter to reach a Targeted Savings agreed to
for each local. Gadsden’s Targeted savings was $11,562,000, an amount that
was very difficult to achieve because Gadsden had already made several of the
approved Tool Kit Items in previous cost saving efforts, such as utilization of lead
hands, work redesign to reduce labor, utilization of light duty work assignments
and reduced job postings. After a long and contentious round of bargaining the
Union and Company reached an agreement in April 2004 that reached the Targeted
Saving for Gadsden and was approved by the membership.
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E. K. Bowers
2004 Hall of Fame, Posthumous
E.K. Bowers, USWA – Local 12,
Will always be remembered as one
of our greatest Labor Leaders and
will hold a unique place in our labor history.
E. K. Bowers worked endlessly for his Local Union,
his International Union, and tirelessly for many
community and civic organizations.
The Alabama Organized Labor Awards Foundation
is proud to induct E. K. Bowers
into the Hall of Fame
Presented by the
Alabama Organized Labor Awards Foundation
August 21, 2004
Bessemer Civic Center
Bessemer, Alabama
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E. L. Hayes
2005 Hall of Fame, Posthumous
E.L. Hayes, USWA – Local 12,
Will always be remembered as one
of our greatest Labor Leaders and
will hold a unique place in our labor history.
E. L. Hayes worked endlessly for his Local Union,
his International Union, and tirelessly for many
community and civic organizations.
The Alabama Organized Labor Awards Foundation
is proud to induct E. L. Hayes
into the Hall of Fame
Presented by the
Alabama Organized Labor Awards Foundation
August 13, 2005
Marriott Hotel
Birmingham, Alabama
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2005 – Safety Structure Established
In 2005 the Gadsden plant ranked last in North America and second worst world
wide among the Goodyear plants on safety. Recognizing this must change for
the benefit of our membership’s safety and the impact to the plant on Workers
Compensation cost, a task force was formed involving the Union Grievance
Committee, the Goodyear Plant Leadership Team, and Training Coordinator. The
task force met for several weeks at USW Local 12L’s Union hall to restructure
our Safety Program. As a result of these meetings a new three-tier structure
was agreed to and implemented, that was driven by the employees at the floor
level serving on safety teams. Local 12L’s Department Representative serves
as the designated safety leader of their team. The next tier is the Drivers Team
made up of Local 12L’s Division Chairmen and the Company’s Departmental
Process Specialist from each business center. The last tier on the pyramid is the
Leadership Team which consists of the Goodyear leadership team, including the
Company’s Safety Representative and the Vice President of Local 12L, Local 12L’s
Safety Coordinator and the Target Zero Facilitator. Each of these groups meet
weekly with the Drivers Team meeting at Local 12L’s Union hall. As of this writing,
there are 18 floor Safety Teams and 100 Department Safety Representatives within
the five business centers within the plant, with each department on all four crews
having a Safety Team.
As of this writing this structure, driven from the floor level up, has consistently
changed Gadsden’s safety rating to near the top of the list of Goodyear Plants
worldwide and in North America.
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2006 Strike
The Goodyear locals struck on the Master Agreement from October 1, 2006, to
December 22, 2006. Among the issues was the future of the plants covered by the
Master Agreement. During these negotiations a task force was formed with Vice
President of Local 12L, Bren Riley, Chris Koscho, the Gadsden Plant Manager, City,
County and State elected officials to develop an incentive package for Goodyear. This led to the 2007 expansion. The Tyler, Texas, plant was removed from the
“protected” list of plants and the Gadsden plant remained as a protected plant.
Healthcare for retirees was moved from under Goodyear responsibility to a
Volunteer Employee’s Beneficiary Association (VEBA).
Employees hired after October 1, 2006, were under a separate wage and benefit
packages. These hires were saddled with many restrictions.
During this strike Goodyear replaced striking workers with temporary replacements,
from the outside, in every location. This was the first time in history Goodyear
used replacement workers during a strike. This became very contentious on the
picket line, especially when replacements were entering and exiting the plant.
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2007 Expansion
Goodyear Gadsden broke ground on a 204,000 square foot expansion. State, city
and county officials were in attendance. This did not add jobs but secured existing
jobs. The expansion was to produce tires on the latest state of the art VMI tire
machines.
2007 USW Local 12L Safety Representative
In the 2003 Master negotiations it was agreed that each local covered under
the Master Agreement, starting in 2006, could appoint a full time union Safety
Representative, chosen by the Local Union President and be paid by the Company.
In 2007 Randy Alverson was appointed as the first Local 12L full time safety
representative. Randy retired in early 2013 and Billy Todd Gray was appointed as
the local 12L Safety Representative. As of this writing he still holds this position.
2008 Target Zero Safety Auditor
In 2008 a Memorandum of Understanding, between the Goodyear Tire and Rubber
Company and the USW, it was agreed that the seven locals covered under the
Master would have an Target Zero Safety Auditor selected by the President of the
Local and paid by the company. This Auditor would work with the existing Safety
Representative in each plant. Billy Todd Gray was appointed as the first Local 12L
Target Zero Safety Auditor. In 2013 he moved to the Local 12L Safety Coordinator
and Bruce Lott was appointed as the Target Zero Safety Auditor. As of this writing
Bruce Lott is still appointed to this position.
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2009 Master Negotiations
Local 12L’s Policy Committee entered Master Negotiations in 2009 and the United
States was in the deepest recession it had experienced since the 1930’s.
Goodyear’s North America Division had not been profitable in years resulting in
USW plants being closed or taking severe cuts in production, resulting in massive
layoffs.
Goodyear approached the Union at the start of the negotiations and asked for the
Union to make changes in the Collective Bargaining Agreement to make Goodyear
North America profitable in return they would agree to a minimum guaranteed
capital investments in USW represented plants to make Union plants competitive.
This would slow down the trend of shutting down a USW Represented plant each
set of negotiations.
•
The Union agreed to eliminate individual and group incentive plans and
go to a plant-wide bonus plan, based on quarterly payouts where every
person in the plant participates.
•
Agreed to a Master Disciplinary System.
•
COLA freezes for the life of the agreement for pre-2006 (grandfathered)
wage grade 5&6 employees.
•
The Union was successful in retaining Plant Protection and Job Security
for six USW plants covered under master agreement. Prior to Master
negotiations the Union City local had agreed to a buyout package that
allowed the company to remove them from plant protective status. There
was a guaranteed minimum capital investment for USW represented
protected plants.
•
Improvements for new employees hired after October 2006, including
paid funeral leave and the floating/birthday holiday, life insurance,
Accident and Sickness benefit and a wage increase on wage grades.
•
Pension Multiplier for members on defined pension.
•
Four Year Agreement.
Local 12’s membership voted to approve the agreement.
This Agreement helped Goodyear return to profitability. Goodyear has made a
profit in North America and as a company in 2010 through 2013.
46
2010 Barbara Grady Passes
Barbara Grady served as Local 12L secretary for 51 years (1959 – 2010). She was
very knowledgeable in helping Division Chairmen and Presidents with preparing
arbitration cases. Barbara was married to Edwin (Dag) Grady who retired from
the Goodyear Gadsden Warehouse. One Son, Phil Grady, works at the Gadsden
Goodyear plant and presently serves as a trustee for the Local.
Elaine Carter was hired part time. Elaine had worked as a secretary for District 9
for 33 years and was a member of USW Local 3657.
Barbara Grady
2012 – Layoff
As a result of the tariffs ending on China made tires in November 2012, Goodyear
announced a reduction in ticket at the Gadsden plant resulting in a layoff of fiftythree USW Local 12L members.
2013-Master Negotiations - Recall of Laid Off Members
Local 12L’s Policy Committee was one of six (6) Locals participating in the 2013
Master Negotiations. With Goodyear being in a better position in its markets and
improved financial conditions, we were determined to recoup some of those past
changes in this contract.
The Defined Benefit Pension Plan was an issue as we entered negotiations, the
Company wanting to freeze seniority accruals and go to a Defined Contribution
47
Plan (401K). The Union was concerned with the Pension fund being 2.7 billion
underfunded despite the company contributing hundreds of millions of dollars
and changes in the pension laws, Pension Protection Act (PPA),creating funding
thresholds if the fund fell below certain percentage levels it would affect the
plan participants. The pension plan was below 80% funded meaning the policy
committee could not negotiate a pension multiplier increase, should the plan fall
below 60% you would stop gaining seniority for pension service.
The Union agreed in this round of negotiations if the Company fully funded the
pension plan they had a right to freeze seniority accruals and go to Defined
Contribution Plan (401K). The Union was successful in negotiating a make whole
DC Plan with a mechanism to keep the plan fully funded.
Some of the Union gains this round of bargaining:
•
Job Security and Plant Protection for all six - USW Plants, with guaranteed
capital investment in USW Plants.
•
Separation buyouts for the Gadsden plant, 150 buyouts up to $50,000 if
the Gadsden plant experiences a layoff during the life of the agreement.
•
Letter for 230 buyouts for pre-2006 (grandfathered) Wage Grades 5 & 6
employees covered under the Master Agreement.
•
Restored seniority rights, job bidding rights for pre-2006 hires and
maintain grandfather status.
•
Restored cost-of living adjustments (COLA) to its original form, all
employees will receive 100% of Cola for the life of the Agreement.
•
Wage increase for lower wage grades, $2.00 per hour over the life of the
Agreement.
•
Restored the wage progression for new hires.
•
Increase in post 2006 hires Defined Contributions (401K) Plan.
•
Improved SUB Agreement, post 2006 hires moved to same plan as pre2006 hires.
•
Four year agreement.
Local 12L membership approved this agreement by 84%.
Recall all laid off members in October of 2013.
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2013 – Sidney Richardson
Sidney Richardson celebrated his 70th anniversary with Goodyear Tire and Rubber
in June. Mr. Richardson is the longest-serving Goodyear associate world-wide and
also has the most seniority as a member of USW Local 12L at this time. He started
working for Goodyear’s Gadsden plant June 22, 1943, the same year its associates
voted to be represented by the United Rubber Workers (URW), now the United
Steelworkers (USW). He was 17 years old and worked in the reclaim plant, which
no longer exists.
Sid has had only four jobs in 70 years at Goodyear – in the reclaim plant, the Mix
Center, and in Calendar/Cutters. He currently works in the Receiving Department.
For almost 40 years Sid delivered The Gadsden Times before reporting to work at
Goodyear. He still holds the title of longest-serving carrier for the local newspaper.
Sid is an Army veteran and served from 1944 – 1947.
He set out to beat the record of Seikichi Kaneshiro, a civil engineer who worked
for the federal government for 66 years when he was 87 years old. Sid has more
service and is older than Kaneshiro was upon his retirement.
His advice to young people starting their careers “Put forth a lot of effort. Put one
foot in front of the other and you can get through anything.”
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2014
The Company fully funded the Defined Benefit Pension Plan and converted to the
Defined Contribution Plan (401K), on May 1, 2014 for all pre 2006 hires.
Additional tire building capacity added with increased employment.
2014 – Goodyear Gadsden Wins Award Goodyear Gadsden Plant was honored on May 14, 2014, in Montgomery Alabama
as Large Manufacture of the Year (400 or more employees) by the Business Council
of Alabama and the Alabama Technology Network. Director of manufacturing for
Goodyear Gadsden, Gordon Linkous in his acceptance speech recognized the
Leadership and members of USW Local 12L for making this award possible. The Manufacturer of the Year awards program began in 2000 and recognizes
Alabama’s manufacturing enterprises that exhibit excellence in leadership,
performance, profitability and workforce relations. An independent panel of
judges who look for demonstrations of superior performance in customer focus,
employee commitment, operating excellence, continuous improvements, profitable
growth and investment in training and retraining, selects winning manufacturers.
Goodyear Gadsden Plant is also celebrating its 85th year anniversary in June of
2014.
Politics
Local 12L has always and many times have been in discussions and supported
taxpayer support in the form of incentives for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.
It is not our organizational belief to give taxpayer money to a corporation but is
part of the process we must be a part of to keep jobs in Gadsden. This is what
goes on in every State and Nation that Goodyear operates in. So, to be on an equal
footing, we must participate.
Members from Local 12L have served the local community on various boards
in all areas. Members have also served on Alabama State Boards, as campaign
coordinators for many of our elected official for State and Federal elections. Many
have been elected as mayors and councilmen and Boards of Education in the
communities in which they live.
Local:
Local 12L has been very active in politics in Gadsden for many years. From 1935
until 1941 our local was fighting battles on every issue because unions were not
looked upon favorably in some government departments, especially the sheriff’s
department. Over the years that changed as the Local got involved in all facets of
the city government.
50
The Local is very active in politics and community activities. The Local contributed
a large part of the “Baptist Hospital” being built in East Gadsden. Local 12L is the
largest supporter of the United Way in Gadsden. Many members contribute one
hour’s pay each month to support the agencies.
State:
1986 – Job Assistance Program – Tom Bevill 4th District Congressman and Senator
Jeremiah Denton helped Goodyear workers who had lost their jobs at Goodyear
Tire and Rubber Company, Continental Steel and Coosa River Garment Company
in Etowah County and Compton Textile in Cherokee County.
1996 – Unemployment Compensation Increase Legislation was introduced to
increase Unemployment benefits by $20.00 a week, raising the benefits from $180
to $200 a week.
1997 – Unemployment Compensation Lock-Out Bill (Joe Ford handled on
Representative’s side) and Senator Steel handled on Senate side).
2014 – Affordable Care Act (ACA) – This program was put in place to assist with the
cost of healthcare and Medicare. Local 12L is on record to the State of Alabama
that people need this Act to pass. The State of Alabama, for political reasons only,
has chosen not to participate in the expansion of this program even though the
cost is primarily paid for by the federal government.
Buy America
Local 12L had a direct impact and took an active roll in each of these legislations.
Federal
1989 – The Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, know as the
WARN Act was enacted on. The WARN Act offers protection to workers, their
families and communities by requiring employers to provide a notice of sixty (60)
days in advance of covered plant closings and covered mass layoffs.
Prevailing Wage – Average wages require the payment of average wages in an area
for public contracts.
1993 – NAFTA (North America Free Trade Agreement) passed the Senate 61 – 38.
President Clinton signed it into law on December 8, 1993. Clinton, while signing
the NAFTA bill, stated that NAFTA means jobs, American jobs and good paying
jobs. In the opinion of labor members it has been nothing but taking and moving
jobs across the border and overseas.
USW and Local 12L took legal action in federal court to stop NAFTA and appealed
all the way to the Supreme Court but was not successful.
FMLA – Family Medical Leave Act
51
Fast Track – Fast Track is the process that moves trade bills through congress
without debate, such as NAFTA. Local 12L and the USW are sorely opposed to this
process and did everything possible to block it.
Laws that the Union has fought for and continues to fight to keep in place or
improve:
The Wagner Act
40 Hour Work Week
Overtime Pay
The Minimum Wage Act
Workers Compensation
Child Labor Laws
OSHA
Sexual Harassment
Social Security
Medicare
National Labor Relations Act
Fair Labor Standards Act
Equal Pay Act of 1963 Americans with Disability Act Age Discrimination in Employment Act
“We want more school houses and less jails; more books and less arsenals; more
learning and less vice; more constant work and less crime; more leisure and less
greed; more justice and less revenge; in fact, more of the opportunities to cultivate
our better natures.” - Samuel Gompers, Founding President of the American
Federation of Labor (AFL)
International Experience After 1983
Local 12 President W. T. Davenport went on the URW staff in 1988. While
continuing his Staff duties with the USWA he became the Backup Coordinator for
the Goodyear Master negotiations, a Sub-Director for District 9 and continued until
his retirement in 2008.
In 1995 Larry Jackson began work with the USWA during the Bridgestone/Firestone
strike. Following the merger he became a Staff Representative with the USWA.
In 2008 Larry Jackson became Sub-Director of USW District 9 when W. T. Davenport
retired. In November 2014 Larry was appointed Assistant Director for USW District
9 and continues as Assistant Director of USW District 9 as of this writing.
In 1997 President Mickey Williams was elected to the first International R/PIC
Advisory Council.
In 2009 Bren Riley was elected to the R/PIC Advisory Council.
In 2011 President David Hayes was appointed to the R/PIC Advisory Council.
In 2014 David Hayes was elected in 2014 to the R/PIC Advisory Council. In June
2014 David Hayes was selected by the USW International to testify in Washington,
52
DC, before the International Trade Commission (ITC) on the passenger vehicle
and light truck tire antidumping and countervailing duty against China.
In June 2015 David Hayes was selected by the USW International to testify in
Washington, DC, before the International Trade Commission (ITC) on the passenger
vehicle and light truck tire antidumping and countervailing duty against China.
In 2004 Butch Mitchell was elected and presently serves on the Alabama AFL-CIO
Executive Board. In 2012 he was elected to serve as the USW State representative.
Other members of Local 12L who have served on the AFL-CIO board were Jeff
Chappell and Preston Nix.
In 2011 Bren Riley was elected to the Alabama AFL-CIO as Secretary-Treasurer.
On January 1, 2015 Bren Riley was appointed as President of the Alabama AFL-CIO
by the Alabama AFL-CIO Executive Board.
Bren is the first member from Local 12L to be elected to one of the top two offices.
In 2013 Shane Mitchell transferred to USW Staff as the Rapid Response Coordinator
for District 9 and continues as of this writing.
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58
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60
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USW Local 12 Elected Officers and Staff 1986
PRESIDENT
DIVISION A CHAIRMAN
W. T. Davenport
Bill Worley
J. W. Battles*
VICE PRESIDENT
DIVISION B CHAIRMAN
J. W. Battles
Larry Thrasher
J. R. Countryman*
RECORDING SECRETARY
DIVISION C CHAIRMAN
Danny Foster
Dennis Battles
TREASURER
DIVISION D CHAIRMAN
Bobby Williamson
Lloyd “Red” Watkins
TRUSTEES
DIVISION E CHAIRMAN
Carl Frazier
Bill Weathington
W. O. Tolleson
Troy Word
DIVISION RADIAL CHAIRMAN
Robert “Roger” Hayes
AT LARGE EXECUTIVE
BOARD MEMBERS
NE ALABAMA LABOR COUNCIL
Jim Braddy
Ronnie Crane
Larry Keener
Charlie Davidson
Jimmy Palmer
W. H. “Bill” Hicks
Gerald Phillips
Jerry “Hub” Hubbard
Ronnie Reed
Larry Moore
Bill Waddell
Preston Nix
L. P. “Pat” Williamson
Jimmy Palmer
Robert Teague
INTERNATIONAL
Bobby Williamson
POLICY COMMITTEE
George Wright
Troy Word
Bill Worley
P&I REPRESENTATIVE
David Tolleson
*Replacement (Appointed)
62
USW Local 12 Elected Officers and Staff 1989
PRESIDENT
DIVISION A CHAIRMAN
J. R. Countryman
Joe Murphy
VICE PRESIDENT DIVISION B CHAIRMAN
Gene CoxLarry Thrasher
RECORDING SECRETARY DIVISION C CHAIRMAN
Jimmy PalmerMickey Williams
TREASURERDIVISION E CHAIRMAN
R. L. “Dickey” Downey
George Booker
TRUSTEESRADIALDIVISION
D. C. “Rosie” Copeland
Robert “Roger” Hayes
J. W. New Jr.
W. O. Tolleson
NE ALABAMA LABOR COUNCIL
Charlie Davidson
AT LARGE EXECUTIVE
Jerry “Hub” Hubbard
BOARD MEMBERSLarry Jackson
Jimmy Braddy
Larry Moore
Larry KeenerPreston Nix
Preston NixJimmy Palmer
Ronnie ReedColeman Stubbs
D. G. “Fat Boy” Williams
Robert Teague
Jimmy “Jim Dog” Williamson
Duel Tucker
L. P. “Pat” Williamson
George Wright
INTERNATIONAL
POLICY COMMITTEE
Robert “Roger” Hayes
O. A. Garrard
UNION COORDINATOR (JOINT PROCESS)
Melvin Oliver
P&I REPRESENTATIVE
David Tolleson
Lloyd Matthews
63
USW Local 12L Elected Officers and Staff 1992
PRESIDENT
DIVISION A CHAIRMAN
J. R. Countryman
Preston Nix
VICE PRESIDENT DIVISION B CHAIRMAN
Larry Thrasher
Larry Moore
RECORDING SECRETARY Jimmy Palmer
DIVISION C CHAIRMAN
Mickey Williams Sr.
TREASURER
R. L. “Dickey” Downey
DIVISION E CHAIRMAN
J. M. “Butch” Mitchell
NE ALABAMA LABOR COUNCIL
AT LARGE EXECUTIVE
Mark Blevins
BOARD MEMBERSLarry Jackson
J. C. Blair
Larry Moore
W. H. Gregg
Preston Nix
D.K. Hayes
Jimmy Palmer
Ledon Hufstetler
Coleman Stubbs
Gerald Minshew
Troy Word
J. W. Peppers
George Wright
C. L. Stubbs
TRUSTEES UNION COORDINATOR (JOINT PROCESS)
D. C. “Rosie” Copeland
Melvin Oliver
George Booker*
Tony Erwin
L G. Jackson
J. W. New Jr.
INTERNATIONAL
POLICY COMMITTEE
George Booker
P&I REPRESENTATIVE
Lloyd Matthews
*Replacement/appointed
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USW Local 12L Elected Officers and Staff 1995
PRESIDENT
DIVISION A CHAIRMAN
Mickey WilliamsPreston Nix
VICE PRESIDENTDIVISION B CHAIRMAN
Gerald MinshewKen Phillips
RECORDING SECRETARY
DIVISION C CHAIRMAN
Randy ScottBren Riley
TREASURERDIVISION E CHAIRMAN
Jean Pruett
J. M. “Butch” Mitchell
NE ALABAMA LABOR COUNCIL
AT LARGE EXECUTIVEDavid Bowers
BOARD MEMBERSR. L. Downey
Jeff Chappell
J. M. “Butch” Mitchell
David HayesPreston Nix
Ledon HufstetlerJimmy Palmer
Benny MillerRandy Scott
Donnie TannerTroy Word
Troy WordGeorge Wright
George Wright
TRUSTEESUNION COORDINATOR
Larry Keener(JOINT PROCESS)
J. W. New Jr.
Jimmy Scott
Tommy Smith
INTERNATIONAL
POLICY COMMITTEE
Harold Sherrell
P&I REPRESENTATIVE
Lloyd Matthews
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USW Local 12L Elected Officers and Staff 1998
PRESIDENT DIVISION A CHAIRMAN
Mickey Williams
Harold Sherrell
VICE PRESIDENT
DIVISION B CHAIRMAN
Larry Thrasher
Ken Phillips
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Jean Pruett
DIVISION E CHAIRMAN
J. M. “Butch” Mitchell
AT LARGE EXECUTIVE NE ALABAMA LABOR COUNCIL
BOARD MEMBERSDavid Bowers
Dennis Battles
Jeff Chappell
Larry Bonds
David Hayes
David Bowers
Preston Nix
Jeff Chappell
Jimmy Palmer
David Hayes
Randy Scott
Benny Miller
Troy Word
Troy Word
George Wright
George Wright
*J. M. “Butch” Mitchell
*Ledon Hufstetler
*Coleman Stubbs
*Coleman Stubbs
TRUSTEES UNION COORDINATOR (JOINT PROCESS)
Lanny Starr
Jimmy Scott
Tommy Smith
George T. Booker, Jr
INTERNATIONAL
POLICY COMMITTEE
Harold Sherrell
P&I REPRESENTATIVE
Lloyd Matthews
Randall Eubanks*
*Replacement/appointed
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USW Local 12L Elected Officers and Staff 2000
PRESIDENTDIVISION A CHAIRMAN
Mickey WilliamsDavid Hayes
Larry Thrasher*
VICE PRESIDENTDIVISION B CHAIRMAN
Larry ThrasherGary Fortenberry
Bren Riley*
RECORDING SECRETARY
Larry Wood
DIVISION E CHAIRMAN
J. M. “Butch” Mitchell
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
GUIDE
Jean PruettMark Talley
TREASURERGUARDS
Jimmy Palmer
Joe W. Morgan
Ted Godfrey
AT LARGE EXECUTIVE
BOARD MEMBERSNE ALABAMA LABOR COUNCIL
Dennis BattlesJeff Chappell
David BowersHacky Jaggers
Hacky Jaggers J. M. “Butch” Mitchell
Steve PearsonPreston Nix
Coleman StubbsColeman Stubbs
George WrightGeorge Wright
TRUSTEES
Bruce Phillips
Shane Mitchell
George T. Booker, Jr.
INTERNATIONAL
POLICY COMMITTEE
Randall Eubanks
P&I REPRESENTATIVE
Ricky Chapman
*Replacement/appointed
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USW Local 12L Elected Officers and Staff 2003
PRESIDENTDIVISION A CHAIRMAN
Larry ThrasherDavid Hayes
VICE PRESIDENTDIVISION B CHAIRMAN
Bren RileyCharlie Thomas
Rick Clifton*
RECORDING SECRETARY
Shane Mitchell
DIVISION E CHAIRMAN
J. M. “Butch” Mitchell
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
GUIDE
Jean PruettDavid Anderson
TREASURERGUARDS
Bruce Phillips
Joe W. Morgan
L. D. Phillips
AT LARGE EXECUTIVE
BOARD MEMBERSNE ALABAMA LABOR COUNCIL
David BowersJeff Chappell
Hacky JaggersDavid Hayes
Steve Pearson
James “Jamie” Miller
Steve Stancil
J. M. “Butch” Mitchell
Coleman StubbsColeman Stubbs
George WrightGeorge Wright
TRUSTEES
Gary Barber
Lane Ford
John Garmon
INTERNATIONAL
POLICY COMMITTEE
Randall Eubanks
P&I REPRESENTATIVE
Ricky Chapman
*Replacement/appointed
68
USW Local 12L Elected Officers and Staff 2006
PRESIDENTDIVISION A CHAIRMAN
Dennis BattlesDavid Hayes
VICE PRESIDENTDIVISION B CHAIRMAN
Bren RileyRick Clifton
RECORDING SECRETARY
Shane Mitchell
DIVISION E CHAIRMAN
J. M. “Butch” Mitchell
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
GUIDE
Jean PruettLee Chestnut
TREASURERGUARDS
Bruce Phillips
Joe W. Morgan
Tim Willingham
AT LARGE EXECUTIVE
BOARD MEMBERSNE ALABAMA LABOR COUNCIL
Randy AlversonJeff Chappell
David BowersDavid Hayes
Hacky Jaggers
J. M. “Butch” Mitchell
Coleman StubbsColeman Stubbs
Troy WordTroy Word
George WrightGeorge Wright
*L.D. Phillips
TRUSTEES
Lane Ford
John Garmon
Phil Grady
INTERNATIONAL
POLICY COMMITTEE
Randall Eubanks
P&I REPRESENTATIVE
Ricky Chapman
69
USW Local 12L Elected Officers and Staff 2009
PRESIDENTDIVISION A CHAIRMAN
David Hayes
Billy Ray (B.R.) Colvin
VICE PRESIDENTDIVISION B CHAIRMAN
Bren RileyRick Clifton
Rick Clifton*Ronnie Battles*
RECORDING SECRETARY
Shane Mitchell
DIVISION E CHAIRMAN
J. M. “Butch” Mitchell
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
GUIDE
Jean PruettAlan Harper
TREASURERGUARDS
Bruce Phillips
Joe W. Morgan
Kip Williams*
Michael “Cornbread” Stuard
AT LARGE EXECUTIVE
BOARD MEMBERSNE ALABAMA LABOR COUNCIL
Hacky JaggersRonnie Battles
Rocky KingJohn Garmon
Della ParkerDavid Hayes
Coleman Stubbs
J. M. “Butch” Mitchell
Troy B. Word
Coleman Stubbs
George WrightTroy B. Word
*Tony TownsendGeorge Wright
*Jamie Miller
TRUSTEE
Lane Ford
John Garmon
Phil Grady
INTERNATIONAL
POLICY COMMITTEE
Randall Eubanks
P&I REPRESENTATIVE
Ricky Chapman
*Replacement/appointed
70
USW Local 12L Elected Officers and Staff 2012
PRESIDENTDIVISION A CHAIRMAN
David Hayes
Mickey Ray Williams
VICE PRESIDENTDIVISION B CHAIRMAN
Rick CliftonRonnie Battles
RECORDING SECRETARY
DIVISION E CHAIRMAN
Shane Mitchell
J. M. “Butch” Mitchell
Jack Mitchell*
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
GUIDE
Jean PruettBruce Lott
TREASURER GUARDS
Kip WilliamsMitch Gargus
Cory McCurdy
AT LARGE EXECUTIVE
BOARD MEMBERSNE ALABAMA LABOR COUNCIL
Al ArringtonRonnie Battles
Hacky JaggersRicky Chapman
Della ParkerLane Ford
Coleman StubbsJohn Garmon
Tony TownsendDavid Hayes
George WrightColeman Stubbs
*Chad RobinsonTony Townsend
*LeShonda Reeves
*Gwen Terry
TRUSTEES
Lane Ford
John Garmon
Phil Grady
INTERNATIONAL
POLICY COMMITTEE
Randall Eubanks
P&I REPRESENTATIVE
Ricky Chapman
*Replacement/appointed
71
USW Local 12L Elected Officers and Staff 2015
PRESIDENTDIVISION A CHAIRMAN
David Hayes
Mickey Ray Williams
VICE PRESIDENTDIVISION B CHAIRMAN
Lloyd “Cus” Cuskaden
Eric “Big E” Hubbard
RECORDING SECRETARY
DIVISION E CHAIRMAN
Jack MitchellTony Townsend
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
GUIDE
Jean PruettMargie Darwin
TREASURER GUARDS
Kip WilliamsJonathan Cash
Eric Snead
AT LARGE EXECUTIVE
BOARD MEMBERSNE ALABAMA LABOR COUNCIL
Chris CardenRicky Chapman
Ted GodfreyLane Ford
Billy Todd Gray
John Garmon
Della Parker
Eric “Big E” Hubbard
LeShonda Reeves*LeShonda Reeves
Steve StancilTony Townsend
TRUSTEES
Lane Ford
John Garmon
Bruce Lott
INTERNATIONAL
POLICY COMMITTEE
John Garmon
P&I REPRESENTATIVE
Rita Amos
*Replacement/appointed
72
Left to Right: J. M. Hood 1943; J.P. Taylor 1945 – 1946; C. S. Holmes 1946; E. K.
Bowers 1946- 1949, 1950 – 1959, 1961 – 1969; V. M. Thompson 1949 – 1955; Lindsey
Elsberry Jr. 1959 – 1961; C. V. Glassco 1969 – 1971; E. L. Hayes 1971 – 1977; O.
A. Garrard 1977 – 1986; W. T. Davenport 1986 – 1988; J. W. Battles 1988 – 1989; J.
R. Countryman 1989 – 1995; Mickey Williams 1995 – 2002; Larry Thrasher 2002 –
2006; Dennis Battles 2006 – 2009; David Hayes 2009 - Present
Surviving USW Local 12L Presidents
L-R W.T. Davenport, J. W. Battles, Mickey Williams, Dennis Battles, David Hayes
(Larry Thrasher not pictured)
73
A Continuation: The History of the United Rubber Workers/ United Steelworkers,
Local 12L Gadsden, Alabama, 1983 to 2014
Compiled by:
David Hayes, Local 12L President
Mickey Williams, Former Local 12L President (retired)
Troy Word, Former Local 12L Executive Board Member (retired)
The officers of USW Local 12L saw the need to update the history of Local 12
because, as of this publication, out of 1,350 members over 1,000 were hired with
ten years or less service.
We wanted them to realize the struggles of our forefathers to get the plant
organized and also to maintain the rights to wages, benefits and protect the jobs
that we have today.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank former Local Union President Mickey Williams and former
Local 12L Executive Board member Troy Word who have spent many days and
many hours, without any compensation, researching the past history of Local 12L
in order that we may publish this booklet so that you can know and appreciate the
history of your Local Union.
They have managed to show through the timelines the struggles, the gains, as
well as, the sacrifices that our members have made in order for you to be able to
enjoy the benefits that you have today.
David Hayes, President
USW Local 12L
A special thank you to Bruce M. Meyer and The University of Akron Press for
allowing us to use information from the book, “The One and Future Union, The
Rise and Fall of the United Rubber Workers, 1935 – 1995.”
Special thanks to former Presidents of Local 12.
Special thanks to Van Tenpenny, USW 1155L and President of The United
Steelworkers Press Association and LeShonda Reeves, Editor of Local 12L
newsletter and Executive Board member
Special thanks to Elaine Carter, Office Secretary Local 12L
Howard covered years 1933 to 1983
74
(L-R Williams, Hayes, Word)
David Hayes
Mickey Williams
• Hired September 1975
• Hired in November 1966
• Department Representative
• Department Representative
1980 – 2000
12 years
• Executive Board Member
• Vice Division Chairman 9 years
1992 – 1999
• Division Chairman
• NE Alabama Labor Council
6 years
1998, 2003 to present
• President – 7 years
• Division A Chairman
• R/PIC Advisory Council
2000 – 2009
3 years
• President 2009 – Present
• Goodyear 3-Man
R/PIC Advisory Board
Table Committee
Appointed 2012, Elected 2014 • Participated in 18 negotiations
• Master Negotiations
• Participated in many arbitrations
2009 and 2013
• Member of Soar, 12 years
• Local 12L Local Negotiations • Member of Local 12L, 35 years
2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2013 • Retired 2002
• Family Savings Negotiations
2010 and 2014
Troy Word
• B&C Tire Negotiations
• Hired December 1971
2011 and 2014
• Executive Board 14 years
• WinSouth Credit Union
• Trustee 11 years
Negotiations 2009 and 2012
• Policy Member 3 years
• Seniority as of this writing
• Legislative Representative
39 years
22 years
• Gadsden Labor Council
18 years
• 39 years of service
• Retired January 2010
75
1943 Vote to organize the Goodyear plant at Willard Hotel in 1943
(Willard Hotel was next door to current Local 12 union hall)
Union Meeting at Willard Hotel
76
Early Curing Department
77
Early Passenger Tire Curing
Early Tube Inspection
78
These Brothers and Sister were Fired in 1944 for Joining Union
L-R - Back - FB Adams, Roy Stewart, D. E. Newberry, Cecil Holmes
Front Row - Mr. Dickerson, Ruth Christopher, Hugh Miliem
79
Local Neg. 1959
1976
Ceremony of Announcement of Radial Plant coming to Gadsden
80
War of ‘94 Informational Picket tire dealership in Gadsden
1997 Picket
81
L-R Donnie Tanner, Larry Bonds, Larry Eslinger
David Bowers at Political Party
82
L-R Rod Cameron, Bill Waddell, Ronnie Reed and Rosie Copeland
Union Meeting at Local 12
83
Standing Room Only at Union Meeting
E.K. Bowers & E.L. Gray
84
L-R Retired Local 12 President E.L. Hayes, C.V. Glassco,
Ruby Jo Taylor, Gene Taylor
Retiree Monthly Meeting
85
Union Meeting
L-R James Kerley & Sandy Thorton
86
Women of Local 12 at 40th Anniversary Picnic
Roy Allen & Hub Hubbard
87
Deacon Gregg at Local 12’s 50th Anniversary PicnicPicnic
Dick Downey & Louis Earl Gray at Local 12
50th Anniversary Picnic
88
Special Kids Christmas Party at Local 12
Union Meeting
89
50th Anniversary Picnic
90
L-R Hacky Jaggers, Melvin Oliver, Wayne Rhodes, Jim Farmer
L-R J.W. Battles, O.A. Garrard, Ernie Hayes,
Carl Frasier, Don Hayes, and Roger Hayes
at 50th Anniversary Picnic
91
L-R Dan Baldwin & Babe Entrekin
L-R Ralph Moore, Wayne “Beaver” Eubanks, Ernie Bonds
at 50th Anniversary
92
USWA Rubber Plastic Industry Conference
Division E Chairman Butch Mitchell Receiving 30 Year Service Award
93
L-R - Rep. Joe Ford, USW Sec.-Tres., James “ Jim” English,
Dist. 9 Dir. Homer Wilson, USW Pres. George Becker
L-R E.B. Hood, Bill Reed, Bill Hicks
94
Current & Former Local 12 Presidents with Larry Means,
Candidate for State Senate 2010
95
1992 Staff
L-R Larry Moore, Larry Thrasher, J.R. Countryman,
Mickey Williams, Preston Nix, J.M. “Butch” Mitchell
1992 Officers
L-R Larry Thrasher - V. Pres., J.R. Countryman - Pres.,
Dick Downy - Tres., Jimmy Palmer - Rec. Sec.
96
1995 Staff
L-R Lloyd Matthews, J.M. “Butch” Mitchell, Ken Phillips, Preston Nix,
Jean Pruett, Gerald Minshew, Mickey Williams
1995 Executive Board
L-R Back: Mickey Williams, Ledon Huffstutler,
Gerald Minshew, George Wright, Randy Scott, Jeff Chappell
L-R Front: David Hayes, Jean Pruett,
Benny Miller, Donnie Tanner, Troy Word
97
1998 Staff
L-R Lloyd Matthews, Butch Mitchell, Ken Phillips, Howard Sherill,
Jean Pruett, Larry Thrasher, Mickey Williams
1998 Executive Board
L-R Back: Mickey Williams, Dennis Battles, David Bowers,
George Wright, Larry Thrasher, Jeff Chappell
L-R Front: David Hayes, Jean Pruett, Benny Miller,
Troy Word, Larry Bonds
98
Nov. 2000 - Nov. 2003
Staff - Mickey Williams Pres., Gary Fortenberry Div. Chair,
Jean Pruett Trea., David Hayes Div. Chair, Butch Mitchell Div. Chair,
Larry Thrasher V. Pres. Ricky Chapman P&I
99
2012 Executive Board
L-R Kip Williams, Gwen Terry, Al Arrington, Tony Townsend,
Chad Robinson, LeShonda Reeves, David Hayes, Jean Pruett,
Della Parker, Jack Mitchell, Rick Clifton
2012 Full Time Local 12L Officers and Staff
(L – R David Hayes, LU President; Rick Clifton, VP; Jean Pruett, FS;
Mickey Ray Williams, Div A Chairman; Butch Mitchell, Div E Chairman;
Ronnie Battles, Div B Chairman; Ricky Chapman, P& I Rep)
100
2015 Executive Board
L-R Steve Stancil, Kip Williams, LeShonda Reeves, Jean Pruett,
Jack Mitchell, David Hayes, Billy Todd Gray, Della Parker,
Ted Godfrey, Chris Carden, Lloyd “Cus” Cuskaden
101
2014 Representatives School
102
URW / Local 12 Charter
103
USWA / Local 12L Charter
104
Units Represented by Local 12L
B&C Tire Company
Family Savings Credit Union
105
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
WinSouth Credit Union
106
Local 12L Union Hall & Office Bldg.
ICD Bldg.
107