PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Union workers have approved a labor contract with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. that affects about 8,000 employees at six U.S. plants.
The international vice president of the United Steelworkers, Tom Conway, on Thursday said the four-year contract protects plants against closures throughout its term.
The union says steelworkers in the six facilities passed the contract by a 3-to-1 margin.
The United Steelworkers and Akron, Ohio-based Goodyear had reached the tentative agreement on July 27 to avoid a strike hours before a deadline.
The contract applies to facilities in Akron; Gadsden, Ala.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Fayetteville, N.C.; Topeka, Kan.; and Danville, Va.
Goodyear Chairman and CEO Richard Kramer had indicated the deal would help the company's competitive position.
More from MBTMag.com
Feds Probe Jeep Grand Cherokee Ceiling Fires
Ford Showcases New 3D Dirt Detection Technology
Judge Dismisses Claim Over Company Pot Policy