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*KILLER74Z28* · 06-11-2007, 12:23 PM

Toyota plant workers make case for unionization
June 11, 2007

By JEFFREY McMURRAY

ASSOCIATED PRESS

GEORGETOWN, Ky. — Current and former workers at Toyota’s Kentucky plant shared stories Sunday about low wages and poor working conditions — rallying points many in the assembly line hope will ultimately lead to unionization.

About 200 people — many of them workers at the Georgetown plant that produces the Camry — attended the meeting of the Kentucky Workers’ Rights Board, a panel of religious and civic leaders pushing for better labor conditions.

Like foreign-owned auto companies across the South, Toyota is nonunion, but the leaders on the board sympathize with the workers, and many contend that should change.

“We are people of community, and part of our community has said to us that things are not exactly the way they need to be in the work situation at Toyota,” said the Rev. John Rausch, coordinator of peace and justice at the Catholic Diocese in Lexington. “We are not trying to tear Toyota down. We are trying to make it better and have a better partner in community.”

Two current employees and two fired ones described what they said were extraordinary steps taken by the company to prevent union organization.

Toyota officials didn’t immediately return calls seeking comment.

The Workers’ Rights Board, which includes Democratic state Reps. Reginald Meeks and Jim Glenn, has no influence over policy or personnel matters at Toyota.

However, after the hearing, it issued several recommendations — including changes in the peer-review process and a 90-day probation period for temporary workers, who would become permanent after that time.

A major focus of the hearing, which lasted more than two hours, was the company’s use of temporary workers, who some of the employees said were doing the same amount of work as the full-timers for half the pay.

“They’re trying to get a job there,” said Cornelia James, who has worked at Toyota for 19 years. “Full-time employment is dangled in front of them like a carrot, and they’re told, any missteps, and you’re out.”

Noel Riddell, who was fired this year after a decade of service at the plant, said he was disciplined after discussing with coworkers a document he found detailing a plan for wages. He was fired despite being backed by a peer-review process, Riddell said.

“What was my crime? Knowledge,” he said. “I will not go quietly.”
Others discussed alleged incidents of sexual harassment and workers being discharged after on-the-job injuries.

“Today, U.S. autoworkers are analogous to professional athletes,” said William Maloney of the University of Kentucky’s Center for Labor Education and Research. “You’re trading your body for a paycheck, and it’s not right.”

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06-11-2007, 12:23 PM	#1
KILLER74Z28 MOD SQUAD Drives: 2G1FT1EW9A9100666 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: West Michigan Posts: 5,768 View My Garage	Toyota plant workers make case for unionization Toyota plant workers make case for unionization June 11, 2007 By JEFFREY McMURRAY ASSOCIATED PRESS GEORGETOWN, Ky. — Current and former workers at Toyota’s Kentucky plant shared stories Sunday about low wages and poor working conditions — rallying points many in the assembly line hope will ultimately lead to unionization. About 200 people — many of them workers at the Georgetown plant that produces the Camry — attended the meeting of the Kentucky Workers’ Rights Board, a panel of religious and civic leaders pushing for better labor conditions. Like foreign-owned auto companies across the South, Toyota is nonunion, but the leaders on the board sympathize with the workers, and many contend that should change. “We are people of community, and part of our community has said to us that things are not exactly the way they need to be in the work situation at Toyota,” said the Rev. John Rausch, coordinator of peace and justice at the Catholic Diocese in Lexington. “We are not trying to tear Toyota down. We are trying to make it better and have a better partner in community.” Two current employees and two fired ones described what they said were extraordinary steps taken by the company to prevent union organization. Toyota officials didn’t immediately return calls seeking comment. The Workers’ Rights Board, which includes Democratic state Reps. Reginald Meeks and Jim Glenn, has no influence over policy or personnel matters at Toyota. However, after the hearing, it issued several recommendations — including changes in the peer-review process and a 90-day probation period for temporary workers, who would become permanent after that time. A major focus of the hearing, which lasted more than two hours, was the company’s use of temporary workers, who some of the employees said were doing the same amount of work as the full-timers for half the pay. “They’re trying to get a job there,” said Cornelia James, who has worked at Toyota for 19 years. “Full-time employment is dangled in front of them like a carrot, and they’re told, any missteps, and you’re out.” Noel Riddell, who was fired this year after a decade of service at the plant, said he was disciplined after discussing with coworkers a document he found detailing a plan for wages. He was fired despite being backed by a peer-review process, Riddell said. “What was my crime? Knowledge,” he said. “I will not go quietly.” Others discussed alleged incidents of sexual harassment and workers being discharged after on-the-job injuries. “Today, U.S. autoworkers are analogous to professional athletes,” said William Maloney of the University of Kentucky’s Center for Labor Education and Research. “You’re trading your body for a paycheck, and it’s not right.” .