Toronto, Ontario - 18 workers at the Mississauga Toyota dealership have been on strike for nearly 12 weeks in an effort to resist company demands for take-backs.  These demands include: two-tier wages, a two-tier benefit package, co-payment of premiums and reduction of re-imbursement of benefits, elimination of the guarantee of hours for flat-rated classifications such as mechanics and cleaners. The workers are represented by CAW Local 252 and have belonged to the union since the 1960s.

“In today’s difficult environment for the auto industry, Toyota is one of the few companies that is doing well in Canada,” said CAW National President Buzz Hargrove. “It is unacceptable that one of their dealerships should be demanding workers slash their wages and benefits and put in place a two-tier system that would undermine future workers.”

The union will be kicking off a letter campaign today to Toyota executives to let them know that CAW members and others will not accept these demands.