By Associated Press
Gadsden, AL – A strikebound Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company plant in Gadsden will begin using temporary workers. United Steelworkers Local 12 President Dennis Battles says the union was told the temporary workers will start this week and possibly increase tensions on the picket line. Battles says meetings are planned with union members to discuss rules of engagement and to discourage possible confrontations. The strike, in its fifth week, has idled some 12-hundred and 50 workers at Gadsden. Local Goodyear officials declined comment and referred calls to corporate officials in Akron, Ohio. In Ohio, a Goodyear spokesman said the company is selectively adding temporary workers in affected plants to continue serving customers. The union in Gadsden held a family picnic Sunday at the picket line for union members and began giving out food vouchers.