Bridgestone Normal Plant Workforce Reduction Smaller Then Initially Expected

The final number of job cuts at the Bridgestone plant in Normal is lower than first reported, and United Steelworkers Union Local 787 President Jason Beckett confirmed these are not layoffs.

Beckett stated that 60-64 workers accepted buyout offers consisting of a $35,000 lump-sum severance package. This is approximately two dozen fewer than the company initially targeted for workforce reduction, which could have resulted in involuntary separations. These workers will leave the plant on staggered dates throughout the year.

Beckett expressed satisfaction that the company paused to reassess staffing levels and seniority before deciding they needed to retain employees to operate the plant, which manufactures off-road tires for large vehicles.

In response to changing market conditions, Bridgestone is also streamlining it’s shift structure. Previously,the plant operated wiht shifts of varying lengths-eight,10,and 12 hours. Starting in November, all shifts will be eight hours long and run five days a week, according to Beckett.

Those who accepted the buyout offers generally fell into two categories: employees with limited seniority and those nearing retirement. Beckett estimates the split was roughly 60/40 in favor of less senior employees.The majority of remaining workers now have between 10 and 20 years of service, with a smaller group possessing over 20 years of experiance. Few, if any, remaining employees have less than two years of service.

Considering the current market conditions, Beckett said he is “largely satisfied” with how the company handled the process, though he noted his “surprise” that the buyout was a uniform lump sum, without factoring in length of employment at Bridgestone.

Employees who accepted the buyouts received presentations from the state rapid response team, including representatives from the Illinois Department of employment Security, the U.S. Department of Labor, and Career link.

“They provided valuable information that we will retain for future needs,” said beckett. “Career Link was particularly helpful in identifying retraining and employment opportunities, and the Department of Labor assisted employees with navigating insurance issues and COBRA.”