Critical Toyota Plant Workers Start Campaign to Join UAW

TL/DR -

Workers at a Toyota plant in Troy, Missouri, have begun a public campaign to join the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, citing poor working conditions and low wages. The plant, which produces cylinder heads for all Toyota engines made in North America, has been criticised for its safety measures and for paying its staff significantly less than equivalent facilities operated by the 'Big Three' US carmakers, despite recent increases. This comes as part of a wider movement of non-union automobile workers seeking to join the UAW, with over 10,000 having signed union cards in recent months and similar campaigns launched at Volkswagen, Mercedes, and Hyundai plants.

TROY, Mo. – Toyota Plant Workers Publicly Seek Unionization

Employees at a crucial Toyota plant in Troy, Missouri are publicly advocating for unionization after over 30% signed union authorization cards. This is a first for Toyota plants and fourth non-union plant nationwide to publicly announce their campaign for union rights.

A new video titled “We Keep Toyota Running” depicts the physical strain on the plant workers responsible for producing the cylinder heads for every Toyota engine in North America. The video can be seen here, with additional details available at uaw.org/toyota-tmmmo.

One of the employees featured in the video, Dawn Ellis, incurred a common workplace injury at the plant: a torn rotator cuff. After surgery, Ellis was asked to return to work just three days later. She also suffered a fractured skull in a separate incident, leading to ongoing migraines.

Jaye Hochuli, a team leader at the plant, expressed concerns about the lack of safety protocols. "It's alarming that the richest car company in the world can't adhere to basic safety practices. We're organizing to address these issues and ensure our protection," Hochuli said.

Despite a pay increase following last year's UAW contracts, the employees in Troy are still earning $4 per hour less than UAW counterparts. Charles Lashley, a supportive team member, believes that a union is the solution for equal pay and benefits.

Jessica Clay, a team member in die changes, also supports a union, expressing the challenges of working excessive overtime without sick time. “The union was a better fit for your life. In our union, we have more control. We have a better life,” she said.

Production team member Jarred Wehde echoed Clay's concerns, emphasizing the need for equal pay in all Toyota plants. "We know they can afford to pay us. By organizing our union, we can win our fair share," Wehde said.

This announcement is part of a larger national movement for non-union autoworkers to join UAW, following the Stand Up Strike victory at the Big Three auto companies. Over 10,000 non-union autoworkers have signed union cards in recent months with public campaigns launched at several other facilities.

For more information, visit uaw.org/join.

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