June 26, 2006

Negotiations opened today between Goodyear and the six labor unions that represent employees at Goodyear's Chemical plant in Houston, Texas.

Company presentations were made by Darren Wells, Goodyear's senior vice president of business development and treasurer; Tom Grolemund, vice president and general manager of the Chemical business; and Jon Rich, president of North American Tire. The Chemical operations are part of Goodyear’s North American Tire business unit.

The current contracts in Houston expire August 1, 2006. These agreements are separate from the Goodyear master contract with the United Steelworkers, and the USW does not represent any of the bargaining units in the Houston plant.