Union to challenge Toyota's Ontario plant

I wonder what all those ex-Big 3 and Casino Windsor workers have to say about Unions now...

I have no problem admiting that japanese cars are built with better quality. Do you have a problem admiting that market conditions don't always make the better quality vehicles the better choice?

dont you mean that domestics dont hold their over inflated value as well as imports?

paying more for quality often means that you over pay for quality.

I'd rather buy a $5000 dollar truck and put $3000 in parts on it, than buy the same truck with a japanese logo on it for $8000. In many cases, the jap truck won't be $8000, it'll be 12000 or more, which only makes my decision even easier.

Sorry about 3 posts in a row,

but what is Quality? Could it be domestic, if the domestic vehicle quickly becomes something that offers more value than you paid for.

I think quality could be defined as reliability ,somebody shopping for a new vehicle is looking for reliability and is willing to pay for it. Time is money having to take a new vehicle in for repairs leaves a bad impression on people. Thats why I will no longer buy a Chrysler or a Honda!

The used market is different and doesn't show up in the stats as for who's on top in the auto industry vs who's on the bottom. If I was in the market for used I would defiantly look at a domestic. You would expect to have maintanace and repairs.
I would never pay for a used Toyota pick-up.

With the American economy tanking, American protectionism will be on the rise. Protectionism works for Japan so it should work for North America...

Another victory for the hard working folks :lol:

Union backs out of vote at Cambridge Toyota plant
Chris Vander Doelen, Windsor Star
Published: Wednesday, March 19, 2008

The International Machinists have withdrawn their bid to hold a Thursday organizing vote at Toyota's Ontario Cambridge assembly plant after learning the work force is larger than they thought.

The union believed the 1,255 signed union cards it had in hand as of Monday constituted the 40 per cent required under Ontario labour law to hold an organizing vote.

Instead, the union said Wednesday the company has convinced the ministry of labour that its Cambridge labour force is actually 4,042 eligible workers, derailing the k Button

"They kind of pulled a rabbit out of a hat," said Bill Trbovich, Toronto-based director of communications for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).

"We're withdrawing from the vote," Trbovich said late Wednesday. "There are over 900 new names on the list we weren't aware of."

Workers were to be notified as they left the plant late this afternoon, he said. The union had been working on its organizing drive since October 2007.

"We're a bit disappointed but we're going to continue (collecting signatures) until we do have the right number," Trbovich said. "We believe we can do it. It's just going to take more time, that's all."

Toyota has used a similar argument in the past to prevent organizing votes by the CAW, which has tried and failed to win representation rights in Cambridge and at Honda's plants in Alliston, Ont.

In previous votes, Toyota also convinced the ministry that its labour force was larger than the list used by the union.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. is currently in the process of staffing a $1-billion second Ontario assembly plant in Woodstock, Ont., which is 43 km west of its Cambridge plant. About 1,200 people have been hired to work at the second plant, which is being managed by executives in the Cambridge plant.

"As far as I know they don't include Woodstock" in the list of employees eligible to vote, Trbovich said.

© The Windsor Star 2008
COMMENTS ON THIS STORY
Add Your Comment
DP
Wed, Mar 19, 08 at 05:13 PM
There goes the union trying to kill another business in Ontario...
laj
Wed, Mar 19, 08 at 05:16 PM
unions are a way of saying,the little guy has a chance,as long as we sticktogether everybody wins, divided ,well look around
A win win!!
Wed, Mar 19, 08 at 07:35 PM
This is a win for Ontario and for Toyota. Unions are nothing more than parasites. They drain companies of all these extra required personell, like stewarts, committe men, etc. This is one reason non-union automotive is more profitable than union shops. Doesn't the CAW and other unions get it?? If you tried over and over again to unionize a plant and they voted it down, give up.
Tim
Wed, Mar 19, 08 at 08:46 PM
You kids should spend so much time on the computor. Should be outside playing ball hockey or something. Let the gown-ups play!
jan
Wed, Mar 19, 08 at 09:10 PM
BYE, BYE, BUZZ....
RTFA
Wed, Mar 19, 08 at 10:24 PM
It's not the CAW trying to get in, it's a totally different union.
Scott
Wed, Mar 19, 08 at 10:51 PM
unions = featherbedding = inefficiency = fat cats = job losses
Pe
Wed, Mar 19, 08 at 11:20 PM
I'm very happy that Toyota defeats the union. This bounch of Lazy people of the union only are looking to take adventage and destroy a good companies. See how CAW has destroy Windsor. Good for Toyota!
bill
Wed, Mar 19, 08 at 11:31 PM
Hey to all the union haters the lowest guys on the payscale at all the big three plants: the union guys. Wake up and smell the coffee the executives are killing the companies with their million dollar salaries and bonuses not the unions
Johnny
Wed, Mar 19, 08 at 11:55 PM
Executives are the ones with the overall business plan, running the company, taking risks, making key decisions, most of them have at least masters degree and yes they are paid well for it. Dont compare people with university educations that have advanced our understanding of the world and the developed the economy to general labourers.
I hate Unions
Wed, Mar 19, 08 at 11:56 PM
Unions are no longer needed in this day and age. Go away CAW!!! Forever!!!!
Jon
Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 12:36 AM
CAW=IAM=Lost Jobs. Is not the CAW, but are the same stupidity!
Are you kidding me
Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 12:42 AM
You people complaining sound like a bunch of whiners.....I think some of you forget to see that the unions do help out alot in this city........the foodbanks.......all the christmas drives they have.............and so much more. Give your heads a shake..........think before you talk!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brad
Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 04:27 AM
I work at TMMC, and management has driven the union to come knocking on the door. They have no one to blame but themselves when they finally get in. If not now, later!
Sue
Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 07:19 AM
If you want job security, getting a union in is the fastest way to kill that dream. What security will you have if the plant will never expand again after a union gets in? That's exactly what would happen. These guys just don't see how good they have it. Take a look at the rest of the industry - job losses in the thousands, pay cuts, shrinking benefits and the knowledge that the union can't do anything about it - and these guys are complaining that they have to work longer hours and make more money? For the record - no one that actually works at that plant is getting a pay cut - they're still getting yearly raises- it's just the starting salary for new guys that's been lowered - to a whopping $25/hour! Considering you don't need anything beyond a high school education to get in, that's an incredible amount. Unions once had their usefulness, but now, they are a safe harbour for the lazy and disgruntled. Get a real job for $10 an hour somewhere else and then come back and see how great your job really is!
Jerry
Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 07:55 AM
March 20, 2008 The CAW is seen as self-serving, greedy and an industry bully. Apart from that, the union presence was also perceived as a major factor in lower quality cars. The car owners' migration to Japanese, Korean and German automobiles was prompted primarily by a quest for better quality product.
PEOPLE CAN'T READ
Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 08:18 AM
IT IS NOT THE CAW TRYING TO ORGANIZE THEM, BUT FOR ALL THE CAW HATERS THAT ARE SO EDUCATED BUT OBVIOUSLY CAN'T READ ANY ARTICLE WITH THE WORD UNION AND IT GIVES THEM A REASON TO CRY AND COMPLAIN I WISH I KNEW WHERE HALF OF THEM WORKED BUT THEY ARE TO AFRAID TO SAY BECAUSE I WOULD NEVER SHOP THERE UNLESS THEY ARE ALL ON SOCIAL ASSISTANCE AND MAYBE WORRIED THAT WE ARE ALL LAID OFF THAT THEIR INCOME WILL DRY UP.
Jeff
Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 08:42 AM
Historically, Neither CAW and now IAM are can unionize Toyota and this backs out from IAM is embarasing for them. But they don't care, they don't have the dignity of retire and not bothers anymore, only they want the money for the workers. But anyway, happy day for Toyota. Congratulations Toyota!
Dan
Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 09:41 AM
I see Bill still clings to the Union mantra - executives are the problem - guys that have invested many years of education, and have responsibilities far beyond any 7-3 Union Joe. There's a reason the workers are at the low end of the pay scale - because that's what their skills warrant. I worked in many plants when I was younger and learned my jobs in about a minute. If you want to be well paid, get the requisite skills, then you'll see how the rest of the world lives.
Joel
Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 10:14 AM
I agree with Bill that the corporate execs. have ruined these companies but they've done it more with their lack of vision and innovation then their high salaries. The big three management and the unions are doing the same thing at opposite ends: making too much money while refusing to change or innovate their business then blaming the consumers who choose value. No wonder the big three are falling behind. The unions have created a culture of entitlement in Windsor and it's ruined our city. There's no way unskilled labour should make that much money, they simply do not warrant it.
Sir G
Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 10:48 AM
I've had the fortune of working for both union and non-union institutions and one thing comes to mind: Union environments promote complacency and laziness. The incentive for productive employment is removed for a unionized worker as they are virtually guaranteed security, benefits and wages even on layoff. At least in a non-union environment, workers can help one another and benefit from a team oriented atmosphere and not worry about having grievances filed against them. By virtue of necessity, it promotes a higher standard of team work, productivity and a sense of accomplishment when a worker can contribute to more than one specialized job or task. Keep the union out! Good for Toyota!
been there done that
Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 11:36 AM
It,s been said that a union is a result of bad management. As a out of work , former employee of a very large windsor skilled trades based company I would love the oppurtinity to be a toyota team member. I have worked at the cambridge plant in the past as a tooling supplier, and thought it was a desirable place of employment.But also being a victim of unfair political practices of family favourtism and low brow bullyism I now understand the need of peaceful assembly. We can have our views as outsiders but only the people that work inside know the challanges and changes that are needed in fair employment practices.
Way To Go Toyota!
Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 11:39 AM
Good for the company in thwarting yet another attempt to flout union entitlement in the face of so many unemployed people in this province that would happily work their arses off for $25.00 an hour, with benefits. From all that I have read and heard about Toyota and Honda, they are good companies to work for. They pay well, they have good benefits programmes, they treat their employees well. So why are there unions trying to infiltrate them, oh, because they actually expect their employees to work for their pay-cheques I suppose. Or maybe it is because employees are not getting spa days and not allowed to steal tools or drink booze on their lunch hours.
Gerry
Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 11:44 AM
Sounds to me like the guy organizing this union drive might be one those lazy people who needs the union.FIRE HIS ASS before he gets a majority vote.
Mark
Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 12:28 PM
I work also at TMMC and I can tell that even is not a perfect place, WITHOUT union, by far is better than any of the big 3. The lovers of the union will see soon how more plants be closed, thanks to that. Congratulations Toyota!, you still union free!.
eribs
Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 12:31 PM
@ People Can't Read Some can't read and it's quite obvious that some can't properly form a sentence.Try using some punctuation! The article does mention the CAW and their previously failed attempts at unionizing the Toyota workforce. I guess you can't read either?
anonymous
Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 12:36 PM
You people union haters! Think ! Labours! Save jobs! Non unionize greedy!!!! not thinking about people s life - labours
Suzie
Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 04:45 PM
Sure, join the union and lose your jobs. Toyota pays good salaries and has good benefits already; don't let the union destroy your jobs. On top of which, I didn't like having to pay union fees when I DIDN'T EVEN JOIN THE UNION. Work hard and you keep your jobs without a union.
Jackie
Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 07:14 PM
All you union bashers should be thanking the unions for your public health care, your public education, your labour laws, your health & safety laws, your right to refuse work that may kill you without getting fired,and on and on. Try educating yourselves before running your mouth, you might find something else coming out of it, starting with a thank you for fighting for everyone in your community. These are all things your great companies would love for you not to have just ask the people who work for the same companies in South Africa, China, India, and yes, Canada. SOLIDARITY FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
anti-union
Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 11:24 PM
Hey Jackie? Since when did unions start paying for my health care and public education. My tax dollars pay for that. Labour laws are set out by our government and encompasses industrial relations (unions), workplace health and safety and employment standards. Unions did not invent these laws, they simply uphold them as can any employee. The International Machinists would love to take a cut from TMMC employees wouldn't they....consider that the average rate is $33.00/hour. Why else would this union want in....concerns about job security are rubbish. The last time I checked Toyota surpassed GM as the No. 1 producer of automobiles. Those who are complaining about job security should go and work for Chrysler (unionized) and then talk. Lastly, Unions promote mediocrity and that's the truth.
Paul
Fri, Mar 21, 08 at 09:24 AM
As an employee at TMMC I know now that money can't buy you happiness. What matters most is to be able to work in an environment free from the threat of intimidation and favouratism. Unions did have their place in history and after seeing some questionable work practices at TMMC by management I really feel the need for a union. Union hating people should learn to shut-up because unless you experience what I am talking about you are not qualified to pass judgement.
rs, SUVs,

Typical Union they didn't even know how many jobs Toyota had created at the plant.....

out to lunch as usual.

I wonder why that no Japanese auto plant in north america has a union, but the domestic ones do. I mean both do the same job of manufacturing autos. I know what some years ago the new Mitsubishi (or toyota) plant out west in either Alberta or Sask. had a union vote but i never heard the result of it. Im guessing by the talk on this topic that it was a NO vote.

I work two jobs and both are unionized. I've been on strike twice and its something I sure wouldn't want to do again. I've been hearing alot of talk around my fellow union co-workers that the unions these days are nothing more but a business. They try and unionize any workplace they can inorder to collect as much dues from the workers.

Last time we went on strike I was completely embarassed and pissed at my union reps., our negotiation team, and my fellow workers. I warned them that we cannot go on strike because its too late in the summer (most of our staff is students and they go back to school in sept.) and that we DO NOT have the support from the workers as we did the frist time we striked. For that, almost called me an outright traitor. We went on strike and it lasted just two weeks. Not even half of our members were on the picket line and most of the rest treated this like a vacation and went to camp for the weekends and such. I was picket captain and I had on average five people in my shift that would show up. I was pissed at all of them. But i did my picket captain job the best I could. We went back to work with a contract that was less than was last offered. I called it, and I was right. And they are the ones who were going to call me a traitor.

I don't know where the last paragraph fits in this topic, but I guess i just wanted to share my 'union" story.

People dont want unions. They want arbitrary/discriminatory decisions to be replaced with policy and procedureal fairness. If management is not prepared to do this, then I say we give unions a try.