[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
[January 13, 1995]
[Page 47]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Dispute Between Bridgestone-Firestone and the
United Rubber Workers
January 13, 1995

    I have long supported legislation to prevent companies from 
permanently replacing their striking workers. Unfortunately, last year a 
minority of Senators prevented the full Senate from voting on the bill.
    Now Bridgestone-Firestone's use of permanent replacements shows 
exactly why this protection is necessary. By bringing in permanent 
replacements for their workers who are on strike, while refusing to come 
to the bargaining table, the management of Bridgestone-Firestone is 
flagrantly turning its back on our tradition of peaceful collective 
bargaining to solve labor disputes. When companies replace their workers 
under these circumstances, they sow seeds of distrust and resentment 
which can extend far beyond their company, undermining labor-management 
relations across the land. Bridgestone-Firestone should get back to the 
bargaining table with the United Rubber Workers to reach a fair 
settlement. Secretary Reich and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation 
Service stand ready to help. Let's get on with it.