No "Jobless Recovery" -- put workers first in auto retooling

Once again, a major corporation -- this time Toyota -- is threatening to cut thousands of jobs in the name of 'competitiveness.'

Don't let banks and corporations get away with a "jobless recovery" that restores profits and bonuses, but leaves workers behind.  A real recovery puts workers and communities first, providing good jobs, affordable housing, retirement security and health care for all.

As part of the complicated auto industry bankruptcy process, Toyota is considering shutting down its only unionized workforce, the highly efficient partnership with GM called "New United Motor Manufacturing Inc." (NUMMI) in Fremont California. Shutting down the plant would cost 4,500 good autoworker jobs, not to mention tens of thousands at dependent companies.

The "Motors Liquidation Corporation" (the new name for the pre-bankruptcy GM), Toyota and the bankruptcy court, influenced by the US government's auto restructuring task force, will be deciding the fate of this plant and these workers.

Take action to save jobs at NUMMI and to put Congress on notice that we need a new economy with new rules embodying worker and community interests and economic fairness.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: No such thing as a "jobless recovery"

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

The possible loss of 4,500 good jobs at the NUMMI plant in California will have another negative ripple effect, adding to the economic crisis. The government's auto restructuring task force should ensure that workers and the econmoy come first as the auto industry is retooled for sustainability.

I urge you to do what you can to encourage fair negotiations with NUMMI, Toyota, the former GM and the bankruptcy court.

Beyond saving these thousands of jobs, I ask you to take bold measures that will transform our economy for the long haul in a more just and sustainable way. It's time for Congress to break the grip of the big banks, create millions of good new jobs (with the right to organize without intimidation), stop evictions and ensure retirement security and health care for all.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
July 29, 2009


Background Information

New United Motor Manufacturing Inc (NUMMI) is a partnership between Toyota and General Motors. It is the 7th most efficient auto plant in the United States. The only Toyota-related facility in the US with a collective bargaining agreement, labor costs are comparable to other auto plants, including other mature Toyota plants, such as in Georgetown, KY.

Under the government overseen bankruptcy process with General Motors, GM's part of the NUMMI plant is now part of "Liquidation Motor company" and the bankruptcy judge will make determinations as to what happens with the plant. The government can have some influence on the outcome, therefore contacting Congress can be helpful, as it was in the initial filings of GM and Chrysler (though still not what would have been best for workers).

According to outside evaluators, the vehicles produced at the unionized NUMMI plant had fewer problems than those produced at other Toyota plants. NUMMI was the 7th most efficient car making plant in the US, and better than any of Toyota's car assembly plants in the US.

NUMMI employs 4,500 workers and is responsible for approximately 35,000 other jobs due to related businesses and wages spent by NUMMI workers. NUMMI paid the city of Fremont $1.9 million in property taxes last year.