Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, jkamm@usw.org, 412-562-2444
Macon, Ga. — The United Steelworkers (USW) announced that members this week voted to ratify a four-year first contract covering about 325 workers at Kumho Tire.
“The membership at Kumho Tire fought for years to win the rights and benefits of a fair union contract,” said USW International President Tom Conway. “Thanks to their solidarity and the hard work of our bargaining committee, they achieved that goal.”
USW District 9 Director Daniel Flippo said that the contract provides yearly wage improvements and other pay increases. It also includes additional paid time off, a joint health and safety committee and other workplace protections, all while maintaining quality health care and other benefits.
“The power of solidarity won a fair contract, and we proved that our voices are strongest when we stand together for the benefit of everyone,” Flippo said. “With the ratified agreement in place, our jobs will be more secure, prosperous and safer than before.”
USW Rubber and Plastics Industry Conference Chair Kevin Johnsen said that workers at the Kumho factory in Macon, Ga., became the first tire workers to unionize in more than 40 years when they voted to join the USW in September 2019 – nearly two years after their initial vote was marred by the company’s numerous violations of workers’ rights.
“Our members at Kumho know firsthand the difference a union can make,” Johnsen said. “This contract ensures that the standard of living for USW members, our families and communities will continue to improve.”
The USW (www.usw.org) represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.