Good news from Goodyear

IMF News, 27 March 2000

GUATEMALA: The IMF has received very good news from the GINSA Workers' Union (STGINSA), a member of the IMF's Guatemalan affiliate, FETRAMEGUA.

Following both national and international trade union intervention with regard to the anti-union attitude of GINSA, a company which produces Goodyear tires in Guatemala, management finally accepted to negotiate and has now reached an agreement with the union on its demands. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, however, so the situation will be closely monitored to ascertain that the company does indeed apply the agreement and respect its obligations.

When the conflict between GINSA and the union first became known, the IMF immediately wrote a letter of protest to the Chairman of the Board, CEO and president of the U.S.-based Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. The IMF demanded immediate reinstatement of the dismissed workers - all trade union members - and the recognition of the workers' right to trade union representation. The IMF also coordinated international solidarity action amongst its affiliates and other international trade secretariats. The STGINSA union wishes to express its thanks and deep appreciation to all those who helped bring about a normalisation of the situation.