Union wants more pay

And it's not the UAW.

Toyota's labor union is seeking a pay increase next spring. This will be the first time the union has done so in four years. The 58,000-strong membership had held off for the past three years due to uncertainty in the Japanese economy.

But with living expenses rising in Japan, the union has changed its mind, partially encouraged by a recent report by the Japan Business Federation which is calling for pay increases. Though not specifically mentioned, Toyota's growth and the possibility of becoming the world's number one auto maker may have influenced the union as well.