Yokohama sees positives in new Salem plant pact

FULLERTON, Calif. (June 16, 2014) — Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Virginia L.L.C. (YTMV) is touting the positives in the new four-year contract it recently inked with United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1023 at its Salem, Va., plant.

The pact continues “a strong working relationship” with the tire maker's “union partners,” according to Tetsuro “Tex” Murakami, president of YTMV in Salem.

“Both parties worked diligently to achieve a contract that is fair and equitable for all involved,” Mr. Murakami said, “and it highlights the positive working relationship between the two sides.”

Local 1023 represents approximately 750 employees at the Salem factory. The last contract signed there, in 2010, also was a four-year deal.

Highlights of the new contract, according to YTMV, include:

  • A non-closure agreement at the plant during the life of the agreement;
  • The continuation and improvement of the union's current pension plan; and
  • Numerous safety and health measures.

“This is another significant contract, which is expected to prove beneficial to all parties,” Mr. Murakami said. “Negotiations went smoothly, both sides were professional and cordial throughout the negotiations and we feel good about the result.”

YTMV is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Fullerton-based Yokohama Tire Corp., the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo -based Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd.

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