<html> <head> <meta name="GENERATOR" content="Microsoft FrontPage 3.0"> <title>Continental AG Is Running Over Working Families Throughout The World</title> <meta name="Microsoft Theme" content="none"></head> <body bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <big><big><big>Continental AG Is Running Over Working Families Throughout The World </big></big></big>   When German-owned Continental AG bought General Tire in 1988, the U.S. tire maker was on the verge of bankruptcy. <img src="../images/gtbuilding.jpg" alt="gtbuilding.jpg (8291 bytes)" align="right" hspace="2" vspace="2" WIDTH="260" HEIGHT="187">Today Continental has the fastest growing profits of any tire company in the world, thanks to the 3,000 workers in its American plants, who sacrificed over $90 million in wage and benefit concessions to get the company back on its feet. That's $30,000 per worker. <big>Savaging Workers </big> Instead of rewarding the workers with a contract comparable to its competitors', Continental double-crossed them. It demanded more cuts, and even violated U.S. laws by engaging in regressive bargaining and other unfair labour practices. The Company's betrayals include: <blockquote> Demanding employees work unlimited overtime Undermining family life with disruptive new work schedules Dumping the runaway cost of health care on the workforce Peddling the jobs of dedicated workers to nonunion contractors Refusing to repay workers the $90 million in sacrifices they made </blockquote> Continental's betrayal left workers at General Tire in Charlotte, North Carolina no choice but to strike. Inciting Confrontation Continental's managers at General Tire have instigated conflict time and again by... <blockquote> Intimidating workers with "security guards" from a company known to hire convicted felons Conducting illegal surveillance on workers Hiring "scabs" to "permanently" replace the workers in violation of  U.S. labor laws. Paying the scabs more than union workers Cancelling health care coverage for the workers and their families the week before Christmas <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <table border="0" width="200" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="0"> </table> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> Workers Everywhere Are Under Assault From Continental General's assault on American workers is part of a worldwide pattern of abuse. </blockquote> <blockquote> In Belgium, the company's threat to close the plant caused 140 workers to lose their jobs and many other workers suffered salary losses. Last year the workers won back salaries and jobs, following a 17-day strike. In Turkey, 45 workers at Aktas/Contitech in Bursa were fired outright when they legally filed for representation in collective bargaining. In Scotland, Continental is threatening to force workers into a four-shift operation - more hours without more pay. In Ireland, its plant was shut down and moved elsewhere - a threat that's being made at plants in other countries where union workers won't knuckle under. </blockquote> In case after case, Continental's actions violate the laws of the country where its plants are located. If you're outraged by Continental AG's international lawlessness, we urge you to support the striking American workers in every way you can. Dedicated workers everywhere deserve better than Continental's international lawlessness. For more information about how you can help, please contact: The Steelworkers Website: <a href="../default2.htm">http://www.uswa.org</a> <div align="center"><center> <table border="0" width="600" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td width="33%"><img src="../images/Stdlogo225.gif" alt="Stdlogo225.gif (7562 bytes)" WIDTH="225" HEIGHT="222"></td> <td width="33%"></td> <td width="34%"><img src="../images/gttire2.gif" alt="gttire2.gif (6570 bytes)" align="right" hspace="2" vspace="2" WIDTH="154" HEIGHT="199"></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="33%"> <h1 ALIGN="CENTER">The United Steelworkers </h1> A Stronger Voice For America's Workforce </td> <td width="33%"></td> <td width="34%"><big><big>Stop Continental AG's International Assault on Working Families</big></big></td> </tr> </table> </center></div> <hr> <a href="gtindex.htm">Return to Continental General Tire Index</a> <a target="_top" href="../default2.htm"> HOME</a> | <a target="_top" href="../frameset_organize.html">ORGANIZE</a> | <a target="_top" href="../frameset_news.html">NEWS</a> | <a href="../frameset_Services.html" target="_top">SERVICES</a> | <a href="../frameset_map.html" target="_top">MAP</a> | <a target="_top" href="../frameset_rapid.html">RAPID RESPONSE</a> | <a href="../frameset_help.html" target="_top">HELP</a> | <a href="../frameset_feedback.html" target="_top">FEEDBACK</a> </body> </html>