Cooper Tire & Rubber (NYSE: CTB) rallied to $15.60 on September 14 on news President Obama decided to side with the United Steelworkers and impose temporary tariffs on Chinese car tires. CTB October option implied volatility is at 66, November and January is at 68; below its 26-week average of 79, according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing price movement.

Goodyear Tire (NYSE: GT) closed at $17.78. GT overall option implied volatility of 56 is below a level of 190 from November 2008 and above its 52-week low of 54 from July, according to I Volatility, suggesting larger price movement.

Option Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.

When it comes to private equity firms and unions, the mix is usually explosive. Private equity firms like to fire people, right?

Well, in the depressed global economy, things can get topsy-turvy.

Just take a recent piece in TheHill.com. The co-authors include Carlyle co-founder David M. Rubenstein and United Steelworkers' President Leo W. Gerard.

Yes, they are proposing a solution for the current economic turmoil. Basically, they think it's critical that the focus be on manufacturing.

Based on a pending labor agreement with members of the United Steelworkers Union, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (NYSE: GT) shares have posted a new 52- week high, rising 40 cents to close at $20.12 on Tuesday, Dec. 26. At market close today, shares were still up.

I've taken some heat lately in regard to my stance on labor unions and their place in the American employment landscape. I've made some strong statements, as is my habit, and I've gotten some strong reactions. I thrive on controversy and debate. Please keep your comments coming. Now, to quote a controversial past president, "Let me make one thing perfectly clear."

I am not anti-union. I am anti-bad union. You are kidding yourself if you believe that we don't have some of those. I have been a laborer all of my working career. I've worked manufacturing, assembly, retail, food service, sales, warehousing, and logistical support. I have worked union shops and non-union shops.

I do believe in unions and what they stand for. I have seen unions perform to the highest standards as they pursue honest wages, adequate health care, worker involvement and social responsibility. By the same token, I have seen unions operate in borderline criminal fashion as they extort votes, extract dues only to disappear, thwart negotiations, stifle business and strangle companies. I have earned the right to express my opinions about labor unions and I live in a country where I can freely do that.