Toyota Membership Drive Builds Momentum
Wednesday November 7, 2007
For Immediate Release
Cambridge, ON – Momentum continues to build as the IAM drive to organize workers at the Toyota assembly plant enters its second week.
“The word amongst the workers about the Machinists is spreading with each passing day,” said IAM District 140 Organizer Ian Morland. “There is an overwhelming demand by the workers here for more information about the IAM and what we have to offer.” Despite heavy rains, strong winds and the first –albeit brief – appearance of sleet this year, Toyota workers eagerly accepted information hand outs from IAM organizers during the shift change Tuesday afternoon. “This marks the second time we ran out of information pamphlets at the plant gates. These people are hungry for information about how the IAM can address their needs.”
The 3,800 assembly workers at the Cambridge facility face a wage reduction, mandatory overtime on weekends, promotion favouritism and vacation blackout periods. “The Machinists began serving members in Canada over one hundred years ago when the IAM organized workers in Stratford, Ontario,” explained Morland. “Since then we have built an enviable reputation for providing the best representation and service to its members.”
“In the coming weeks we will be circulating more information to these workers on how we can address their particular concerns in all sectors of the Cambridge plant,” said Morland. “You can’t expect these people to sign cards if you can’t provide a solution to their problems and we think we have the right approach.”
The IAM represents thousands of members in the Canadian automotive transportation sector at assembly and parts manufacturing facilities in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia. The IAM represents more than 700,000 active and retired members in North America and administers more than 5,000 contracts in transportation, woodworking, aerospace, manufacturing and defense-related industries.
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For further information:
Ian Morland – IAM District 140 Organizer
905-671-3192 ext 224/416-875-8140
Bill Trbovich – IAM Director of Communications
416-386-1789 ext 31/416-735-9765
