Representing the Union Employees of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. Fayetteville, North Carolina                              Share and Change By USW Local 959 President Darryl Jackson     Let me share this with you. A couple months ago I was told about the possibility of Tim Frosell leaving  our plant. The second I was told that, I was forced to look at change. When Tim became our plant manager,  we were in total chaos and the future of our jobs was very much in doubt. Under stronger leadership, the  focus soon shifted from how to save the plant from disaster—through major improvements in our  housekeeping and safety policies—to how to modernize our equipment and adapt our culture for the future.  As the Company heavily invested capital, a much better working relationship between the local Union and  plant leadership began to evolve. There were so many issues that needed immediate attention that neither  side could afford an uncooperative, day-to-day way of doing business. So we worked together and although  it wasn’t overnight, numerous problem areas began to improve. Obviously we have a long way to go, but  we are in a far better position than we were just a few short years ago. As Tim now faces new challenges,  we thank him for his dedication and wish him and his family all the best.         In this new period of transition, Billy Taylor—formerly the Plant Manager of the currently top-ranked  Lawton, Oklahoma factory—is being looked at to lead us into a new era of improved productivity. Frankly,  I don’t think we’re  going to  miss a  beat.  We warmly welcome Billy & Rachel Taylor and the Taylor  Family to our community, and hope they truly feel welcome here in Cumberland County. Billy and I are  still getting to know each other, but we already agree on the number one goal. We both share the same  vision, and see no reason at all why our Fayetteville plant can’t become the undisputed number one flagship  tire factory in North America, and beyond.     Read More Archive Updated 1 Sept 2010 Read More