USW ratifies new labor pact with Michelin

PITTSBURGH—The United Steelworkers union voted to ratify a new three-year contract with Michelin's two BFGoodrich sites.

The deal covers about 2,500 workers at plants in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Fort Wayne, Ind. The agreement passed by a two-to-one margin and, according to an Aug. 17 USW news release, includes annual wage increases and bonuses, maintains quality, affordable health care coverage and strengthens retirement benefits.

The previous agreement expired on July 27, and the new deal will run through July 30, 2022.

"These hard-working union members, along with tire workers across the industry, are facing a number of challenges, first and foremost the threats of foreign competition and unfair trade," USW International President Thomas Conway said in a statement. "They should be proud that they were able to reach an agreement that maintains family-supporting jobs while ensuring the long-term competitiveness of their facilities."

Kevin Johnsen, chair of the USW's Rubber/Plastic Industry Council, said in a statement that the agreement was a testament to the strength and solidarity of the union's membership.

"It was only by standing up with one voice and confronting these challenges together that we could reach a fair and equitable agreement," he said.

The new deal puts the Michelin plants on the same cycle as the Goodyear, Bridgestone and Sumitomo deals—which cover 12 U.S. sites and are set to expire in July 2022 as well. Overall, the USW said it represents more than 18,000 workers in the tire industry.