Goodyear Plant Shuts Down
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Officials at Goodyear had warned their 1800 employees that production would stop at the end of 201, but on Sunday it stopped suddenly. “You just never know, it is a good place to work and make a good living. They did a lot for the community, but they have a bottom line, that’s it,” said Bill Wiener, who retired from Goodyear after 35 years, two years ago. Goodyear said it was able to close down the Union City plant before the end of the year because their quota was met ahead of schedule. “Everybody’s got a car payment, a house payment, a motorcycle payment, kids in college, there’s a quality of life that’s been taken away from them,” said Bill Weiner. Goodyear is promising all employees that they will be paid for the next 60 days, but Union City businesses said they are already noticing the pinch. Allen Bridges opened his A through Z Thrift Store two years ago. He said he has seen an influx of people starting to shop for used furniture.”We’ve got more people coming in now, we’ve been doing good, but still I don’t like to see people losing their jobs,” added Bridges. Richard Moarn, owner of Snappy Pizza said he has seen a boost in his lunch crowd and is sure the city will pull through. “Prepare for the worst but hope for the best, that’s what we are doing,” added Moran. A Goodyear spokesperson said salary and contract workers will continue operation at the plant until it is totally shut down. That date has not been announced. Plant officials said the plant will be put up for sale.
