Labor & Economic News Blog

Monday, May 01, 2006

His way of life, pension, job all on the line: Mark West's 28 years at plant may end if deal isn't reached by midnight

His way of life, pension, job all on the line: Mark West's 28 years at plant may end if deal isn't reached by midnight
Source: Charlotte Observer
For years, Mark West thought his job was safe. He built tires at the Continental Tire plant in south Charlotte for almost three decades. He earned enough to take his family to Myrtle Beach, to the N.C. mountains, sometimes to Walt Disney World. He took them to Chili's for dinner on Saturday nights.
"It's the American dream," said West, 46, wearing a Steelworkers T-shirt at his Rock Hill home. "I'd be devastated to see it yanked from under my feet." Continental, one of Charlotte's largest manufacturers, has been threatening to close its tire plant if workers reject a 35 percent cut in pay and benefits. West and his co-workers have been forced to re-evaluate their lives, which could drastically change if a new contract is not reached by midnight tonight.

 



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