Goodyear Says 'Blue Lives Matter' Ban a Mistake After Trump Boycott Call
Goodyear has once again clarified its position regarding the type of attire employees can wear after President Donald Trump called for a boycott of the company.
Goodyear was highly criticized by the president and the GOP after a local news outlet reported that a plant in Topeka, Kansas, showed workers a list of "unexceptable" apparel under the company's dress code which included messages of "Blue Lives Matter," "All Lives Matter" and "MAGA"—Trump's synonymous campaign slogan.
Attire expressing support for includes "Black Lives Matter" and LGBT pride expressions were deemed as acceptable, according to a presentation slide shared by an employee.
In response, Trump urged a boycott of Goodyear tires. "They announced a BAN ON MAGA HATS. Get better tires for far less!" Trump tweeted
"This is what the Radical Left Democrats do. Two can play the same game, and we have to start playing it now!"
In response, Goodyear said that there have been "misconceptions" regarding their workplace attire policies.
In a statement, Goodyear said that they ask associates to "refrain" from workplace expressions showing support of political campaigning for any candidate or political party, as well as "similar forms of advocacy that fall outside the scope of racial justice and equity issues."
The company added the slide showing acceptable and unacceptable attire was "not created or distributed by Goodyear corporate, nor was it part of a diversity training class."
In a follow-up statement, Goodyear CEO and President Rich Kramer announced employees are allowed to wear apparel that shows support for law enforcement while reiterating they do not endorse any political party or organization.
"I deeply regret the impression it has created and want to clarify Goodyear's position," Kramer said.
"First, to be clear, Goodyear does not endorse any political organization, party or candidate. We have a longstanding corporate policy that asks associates to refrain from workplace expressions in support of any candidate or political party.
"Second, Goodyear strongly supports our law enforcement partners and deeply appreciates all they do to put their lives on the line each and every day for our communities. We have proudly supplied tires to police and fire personnel for more than 100 years and that relationship is foundational to our company.
"We have clarified our policy to make it clear associates can express support for law enforcement through apparel at Goodyear facilities."
Following Trump's call for a boycott, a rally of support was held for Goodyear in front of the United Steelworkers Local 2 headquarters in Akron, Ohio, attended by elected officials and union representatives.
Bill Conner, sub-district director for District 1 for the United Steelworkers, said it is a "sad day" when the president calls for a national boycott of an American company and American workers.
"And it ought to scare the hell out of every working man and woman in this country," Conner added.
The White House has been contacted for comment.
