United Steelworkers Local 1023 in Salem, Va. voted to ratify the deal it reached with Yokohama Manufacturing Virginia LLC, a unit of Yokohama Tire Corp., securing labor stability and ensuring the plant will remain open through May 16, 2018, per a clause in the contract.
The union and Yokohama reached a tentative agreement on May 16, minutes before the midnight deadline.
A Yokohama spokesman and Local 1023 President Steve Jones confirmed the deal was ratified after voting took place on June 1 and 2. Jones said the local voted about 75% in favor of the deal. The plant employs about 750 active union members.