Yokohama Tire Corp & USW Agree to 4 Year Contract

Union a Accepts 4-year Contract
Yokohama Tire Corp. and USW Local 1023 negotiated for 20 days over various issues.
By Lerone Graham

United Steelworkers Local 1023 voted to accept a new four-year agreement with Salem's Yokohama Tire Corp. over the weekend. Negotiations between the company and union went on for 20 days because of the previous contract expiring May 16 -- the same day a new tentative agreement was reached, said Steve Jones, local union president. The agreement was approved Saturday after polls were open at the Salem Civic Center throughout Friday and Saturday. "I think it's a win-win for all," Jones said. Previous agreements were valid for three-year terms. Yokohama and the union decided to use a four-year agreement this time because other big companies with similar agreements switched to four-year contracts, Jones said. Some key points that the new agreement dealt with included vacation time, family medical leave, 401(k) contributions, and safety and health. Yokohama intended to cap vacation allotments, but instead the union was able to negotiate to keep the current vacation structure, according to a summary of the agreement provided by Jones. The company intended to force employees to use two weeks of vacation time for family medical leave, which through negotiations was reduced to a maximum of three vacation days. Instead of keeping the current 401(k) savings plan, the union negotiated to add five new funds, and plans to form a committee to monitor all investment options. Gains were made to safety and health by improving notification of workplace accidents, setting fire drill times, and adding a requirement to provide electrolyte-based drinks, among other points. Jones said the company and union had a "good working relationship" throughout the 20 days of negotiation, and said he feels the contract is fair for both sides. The effective date for the new contract is May 17 and it will expire May 16, 2014.

Editorial : Yokohama Tire plant is in Roanoke VA. Thanks to Mike Stanley for this.