If successful, Unifor would be first union to represent Toyota in North America
Unifor filed to be the certified bargaining agent for Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada on Monday, March 31.
If successful, Unifor would be the first union to represent Toyota team members in North America. Worldwide, 90 per cent of Toyota plants are unionized.
“When Unifor was asked by Toyota team members to work with them to make this successful company even better, I was delighted,” said Unifor national president Jerry Dias. “Unifor was built to ensure good jobs and strong communities now and in the future. When I met with the thoughtful and proud Toyota team members it was clear to me that we share this commitment.”
The union expects as many as 6,500 Toyota employees will participate in the upcoming vote to join Unifor. The vote will take place in early April.
Toyota team members have reportedly identified a number of concerns including health and safety standards, wages, pensions, contracts and arbitrary decision-making.
“Toyota is a good company and I am proud to be a part of it. But I have concerns,” said Toyota team member Denton Schriver. “I am worried that Toyota team members do not have a real voice at our workplace — which means the company can and does make arbitrary decisions. Joining Unifor will mean a made-for-Toyota agreement, created by and for Toyota team members. It will mean a real voice in creating a secure future for our families and this company.”
The union expects the results of the vote in late April.
