Talks between the tyremaker and the union began in early March, with the current contract expiring Apr. 15. However, union members have the option of continuing to work under its provisions should negotiations not be complete by this date.

Mike Amos, president of the local representative union, declined to comment regarding the progress of talks or what major issues are currently on the table, although the question of healthcare for current and retired workers, plus that of job security – a reoccurring theme in the changing U.S. corporate climate – are considered the most important issues the two parties need to tackle.

As union negotiations with smaller-scale tyremakers traditionally follow union deals with larger tyre manufacturers, such as Goodyear, the chances of the union being granted all it requests are not high. The Salem passenger car and light truck tyre plant has not seen any strike action since 1994, but if negotiations break down, a repeat of last year’s Goodyear strike is not an impossibility.