Goodyear has reiterated its position on the type of clothing employees can wear after President Donald Trump called for a boycott of the company.
Goodyear was heavily criticized by the president and the GOP after a local news outlet reported that a plant in Topeka, Kansas, showed workers a list of “irresponsibleclothing under the company’s dress code, which included messages from “Blue Lives Matter”, “All Lives Matter” and “MAGA“- Campaign synonym slogan.
Attire expressing support for embracing “Black Lives Matter” and LGBT expression of pride were considered acceptable, according to a presentation slide shared by an employee.
In response, Trump calls for a boycott of Goodyear tires. “She announced a BAN ON MAGA HATS. Get better tires for much less! “Trump twittered
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“This is what the Radical Left Democrats are doing. Two can play the same game, and we need to start playing it now!”
In response, Goodyear said there had been ‘misunderstandings’ regarding their policies in the workplace.
In a statement, Goodyear said they were asking colleagues to “remember” statements from workplaces that support political campaigning for each candidate or political party, as well as “similar forms of plea that fall outside the scope of racial justice and issues of equality. “
The company added the slide showing acceptable and unacceptable clothing was “not made or distributed by Goodyear corporate, nor was it part of a diversity training class.”
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In a follow-up statement, Goodyear CEO and President Rich Kramer announced that employees are allowed to wear clothing that shows support for law enforcement, while re-signing that they do not support a political party or organization.
“I deeply regret the impression it has made and want to make Goodyear’s position clear,” Kramer said.
“First of all, to be clear, Goodyear does not support any political organization, party or candidate. We have a long corporate policy that requires colleagues to refrain from expressing jobs in support of any candidate or political party.
“Second, Goodyear strongly supports our legislative partners and deeply appreciates everything they do to put their lives on the line for our communities every day. We have proudly provided bonds to police and fire personnel for over 100 years and that relationship is fundamental for our company.
“We have clarified our policy to make it clear to employees that they can express support for law enforcement through clothing at Goodyear facilities.”
Following Trump’s boycott, a rally of support was held for Goodyear at the headquarters of United Steelworkers Local 2 in Akron, Ohio, attended by elected officials and representatives of the union.
Bill Conner, director of District 1 for United Steelworkers, said it was a “sad day” when the president called for a national boycott of a U.S. company and American workers.
“And it would scare the hell out of every working man and woman in this country,” Conner added.
The White House has been contacted for comment.
Jason Smith / Getty
