Maytag, Union Set Contract Deadline Jun 3, 2004

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Maytag Corp.'s assembly lines are humming in Newton, IA, U.S. as company and union negotiators continue work on a new contract covering about 1,600 workers.

Maytag spokeswoman Lynne Dragomier said the two sides have agreed to extend the current pact, setting a new deadline of 10 p.m. Central U.S. Time on June 9.

The appliance maker's flagship plant makes Maytag washers and dryers. Maytag began meeting several weeks ago with bargaining officials for United Auto Workers Local 997.

Union members authorized leaders to call a strike if talks broke down, but the initial deadline on June 1 passed without comment.

As recently as 2weeks ago, Maytag Chairman and CEO Ralph Hake warned workers that the company faces increased pressure to cut costs to compete with a flood of low-cost imports. (TheIowaChannel.com)

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