‘Everyone Comfortable’ With Salem Plant Agreement, says Yokohama

Yokohama Tire Corporation has published details of the new four-year contract signed with the United Steelworkers for its factory in Salem, Virginia. The tyre maker says that contract highlights include a ‘no closure agreement’ for the plant during the contract’s duration, an improved cost of living structure, continuation of the union’s current pension plan and safety and health measures.

“This is a substantial contract with workable solutions,” said Yokohama Tire Corporation vice president Rex Simpson. “Both sides were professional and cordial throughout negotiations, and both secured some of the changes they sought. When we signed-off on the agreement, everyone was comfortable with it. It’s safe to say both sides feel good about the process and the result.”

Simpson added that one of the reasons the negotiations went so smoothly is because “both sides were open and realistic with their expectations given the current state of the economy.”