Strike Concerns/Kentucky Built v. Subaru Built?

[wmutkelaw]

I heard on NPR that the Toyota (America) workers are threatening to strike. I bet this was a major concern of Toyota's when they decided to invest in American factories, now it is a possible reality.

I ordered a 2007 about 2 weeks ago, and it is supposed to be built this week, supposedly in Kentucky. I have no problem with the Kentucky built car, actually being from Michigan I like the idea of it being somewhat American. However, I fear that the quality might suffer due to the pending threat of a strike.

Also, I will be upset if I find out that my car was made in Indiana, at a Subaru factory. Not to say a car built in Indiana would be bad, but I like to think that with the infrastructure in place in Georgetown, KY., that a car made there would be better, than one made in Indiana. Lafayette, Indiana, is the home of the Boilermakers (Purdue), so it would/could be a good thing...there is a huge braintrust of engineers located nearby in West Lafayette, granted Indiana is the biggest brain drain state in the Midwest...a lot of the graduates leave for other states upon graduation.

Any comments regarding my concerns would be greatly appreciated...

[Trojan]

what exactly is this strike over?

being an owner of a subaru, i am actually excited to see the camry's being built in their indiana plant. the quality and durability of a subaru has always been excellent imo. i just hope this can one day lead to an AWD Turbo boxer engine Camry (like a CAMRY GT hehe)

[summerwind]

Originally Posted by wmutkelaw

I heard on NPR that the Toyota (America) workers are threatening to strike. I bet this was a major concern of Toyota's when they decided to invest in American factories, now it is a possible reality.

Workers at Toyota’s Georgetown, Kentucky plant are trying to organize with the UAW’s help so they have a voice on the job. John Williams has worked for Toyota for 18 years.

[Williams]: "We're tryin' to organize so that we can have a say in the health and safety, so we can have representation in health and safety. And we're trying to make some changes. We're not being heard, we're not being respected."

This weekend a Workers Rights Board in Kentucky is hearing how Toyota dismisses injured workers and uses temporary, underpaid workers to drive down auto wages.

The UAW has tried to get these plants unionized but has not had any sucess..

Will be interesting to see how this plays out.

[mikegett]

If it is the same strike issue, then it applies to contracted employees on construction in Canada. They are striking with there own unions (not toyota) and delaying the opening of the plant. The Ontario news stated that the delay would eventualy affect other N. American plants. Most likely due to parts supplied. As for the UAW, it is a joke. They have tried to get into Toyota for years and get voted down every time. Last year they never reached 18 percent vote of the employees in Kentucky. That was after having a 38 percent response in UAW cards.
"They are also upset by Toyota's move in January to raise copayments on some prescription drugs.
But union opponents say the UAW has not been able to stop layoffs by Detroit automakers and that Toyota workers already are among the highest-paid auto workers without the union's help.
"Consistently, the majority of our (employees) say they don't see the need for representation from a third party," said Rick Hesterberg, spokesman for the Georgetown Toyota plant. "