In a PowerPoint presentation released as part of the Congressional investigation into Toyota’s “unintended acceleration” problems, the car manufacturer reveals that the delay of the Employee Free Choice Act was a “win” for its Washington lobbying office.
The July 2009 presentation by Toyota executives boasted that the delay of recalls saved the company $100 million. But a closer look at the presentation in full shows the disdain the company has for its employees and unions.
Under the header “Washington Office: Wins for Toyota & Industry,” Toyota lists as “‘Card Check’ – legislation delayed.” as a “win.” Not content with its delay, the Employee Free Choice Act is again listed as a “key issue” of Toyota’s government affairs team.
Labor issues: “Card Check”
- Easier union organizing
- Increased labor costs
- Mandated contracts
It’s also worth noting that the first ally of Toyota listed is the US Chamber of Commerce, which is referenced multiple times in the presentation as a reliable source.
A handful of Toytoas are union made, including the 2010 Corolla and Tacoma. But Toyota plans to close down one of its union plants, the NUMMI plant in Fremont, CA that employs 4700. The AFL-CIO, UAW, and Teamsters renewed their efforts to keep the plant fro closing once Toyota’s “unintended acceleration” problems became a national issue. The deadline for the plant is April 1. (This is yet another good reminder to reference the UAW’s guide for union made cars.)
You can view the whole presentation from Toyota on its Washington affairs here (PDF).
