The Associated Press

TROY, Ohio - Goodrich Corp. said Tuesday it is bracing for a strike by workers at its plant in this western Ohio city that makes wheels and brakes for the space shuttle and commercial and military aircraft.

Goodrich said the union representing 330 workers at the plant - about 20 miles north of Dayton - has notified the company it intends to terminate their contract at noon Thursday. The company and union have been negotiating for two months.

Goodrich said it proposed contract changes to improve productivity and flexibility.

Steve Shelton, of United Auto Workers Local 128, said contract issues include seniority, mandatory overtime and alternate work schedules. He said the company wants to add a new weekend shift consisting of three 12-hour days.

Shelton said workers rejected the contract proposal by a vote of 280-8.

"The company is disappointed that the work force has chosen not to accept the changes, which are supported by a competitive financial package," Goodrich said.

About 700 people work at the plant, which supplies wheels and brakes for aircraft such as Boeing 747s, F-16 fighter jets and C-5 cargo planes.

Goodrich, based in Charlotte, N.C., employs more than 20,000 at more than 100 plants worldwide. Last year, the company had $4.5 billion in sales.

Goodrich shares closed at $27.20, up 17 cents, on Tuesday on the New York Stock Exchange.