News From USW: Mayfield Officials Pass Resolution in Support of Steelworkers at Kentucky Continental Tire Plant; Environmental Agencies Called On to Keep Mayfield Safe.

MAYFIELD, Ky. -- News From USW: The Mayfield City Council in Kentucky passed a resolution earlier this week in support of the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 665 in their ongoing negotiations with their employer, Continental Tire North America (CTNA). The company announced in August that it would close the Mayfield facility in 2007 and move production elsewhere.

"It's tough knowing that our plant will soon be closed," said Terry Beane, USW Local 665. "Our members appreciate the support shown by our Graves County Fiscal Court and the Mayfield City Council."

Both groups have passed resolutions in support of the members at Local 665. "It means a lot to all of us to know that our elected leaders and the community support us," said Beane.

The resolution encourages CTNA to create fair severance packages for the displaced workers and to continue to provide health care for all workers and retirees. It also encourages CTNA to comply with federal and state environmental and labor laws. The resolution also addressed environmental concerns regarding CTNA's commitment to maintain a landfill located on the tire plant's grounds and prevent groundwater contamination.

When CTNA announced the shutdown of the Mayfield facility on August 2, Mayor Arthur Burns and Graves County Judge Executive Tony Smith sent letters of concern to the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet about the landfill located on the facility grounds. USW members also sent a letter of concern to the landfill project manager at the Environmental Protection Agency Regional office in Frankfort. They are awaiting a response from environmental officials.