The Timken Company and United Steelworkers union have agreed to enter early formal negotiations over the current labour contract, which expires in September 2005. The current contract includes associates in steelmaking operations in the Canton district, in addition to the company's bearing plants in Canton.
The company announced the decision to begin the closure of the Canton bearing plants earlier this year. A favourable new labour contract could mitigate the impact of the plant closures on employment.
Consistent with prior practice, there will be no further comments until discussions are completed.
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