Toyota denies plans to cut jobs in North America, UK
Toyota has a long-standing tradition of not laying off permanent full-time workers. So if you've got a job at Toyota, you've got a job for life. But something's got to give in today's economy. Unfortunately, current market conditions aren't getting along well with the Japense automaker's policy, and Toyota -- now officially the world's largest automaker -- may be finding that it's more difficult to follow through on the promise while shedding thousands of sales per month in the global downturn. Japan's Nikkei newspaper reported that the automaker is looking to reduce its ranks by 1,000 jobs in North America and the U.K., but it sounds like those reductions will be made through voluntary cuts and attrition, not by layoffs, which company spokespeople claim would be an absolute last step if the market doesn't improve over time. [Source: Bloomberg]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Andrew 7:41AM (1/26/2009)
1,000 employees isn't really that much compared to the size of their workforce.
Reply
TW6Speed 9:32AM (1/26/2009)
Toyota, keep acting as if this global meltdown is not effecting you. Bring on the layoffs and rebates. I did notice that Toyota is now fleeting everything they have in mass quantities.
Reply
jamie 10:54AM (1/26/2009)
Where are they going to find all the brooms to keep those guys busy on the line?
There are Toyotas up the ying-yang on the loading docks in Long Beach and all across Orange County going nowhere. And they are still going to produce more of them here in America?
"Toyoda the Second" had better reconsider before it's too late (it already is). Thousands of cars with no buyers in a down market is a recipe for disaster. Ask Chrysler.
Reply
caddy-v 11:18AM (1/26/2009)
More smoke and mirrors from the Masters of deception.
How many "temp employees" have been let go? That's a guarded secret.
It's nice to be a part of a crew that has permanent employement status (skeleton crew", but one needs to look beyond the green grass and calm waters Toyota wants you to believe.
These so-called "temps" worked just as many hours for less pay and the promise of full time status that never became reality.
So tell us Toyota, how many of the "temps" are still employed?
Reply
frjvega 12:01PM (1/26/2009)
So what exactly are you whining about? That is precisely the point of having a large temp staff. Get their service when times are busy, let them go when not needed. This strategy helps the company save money in the long term by avoiding costly hiring/firing cycles, and allows them to be better positioned to keep core experienced employees.
This should come as not surprise to anyone working with a temp badge.