Attention News/Labour Editors:

Strike at Toyota Dealership Enters 12th Week - Workers Resist Two-tier

    TORONTO, Aug. 20 /CNW/ - The 18 workers at the Mississauga Toyota
dealership have been on strike for nearly 12 weeks in an effort to resist
company demands for massive take-backs.
    These demands include: two-tier wages, a two-tier benefit package,
co-payment of premiums and reduction of re-imbursement of benefits,
elimination of the guarantee of hours for flat-rated classifications such as
mechanics and cleaners. The workers are represented by CAW Local 252 and have
belonged to the union since the 1960s.
    "In today's difficult environment for the auto industry, Toyota is one of
the few companies that is doing well in Canada," said CAW National President
Buzz Hargrove. "It is unacceptable that one of their dealerships should be
demanding workers slash their wages and benefits and put in place a two-tier
system that would undermine future workers."
    The union will be kicking off a letter campaign today to Toyota
executives to let them know that CAW members and others will not accept this
unfair treatment of the Mississauga Toyota dealership workers.
    Many of these workers are nearing retirement with close to 40 years of
service. Hargrove said the treatment they are receiving from their employer
after years of hard work and dedication is utterly shameful.

For further information: please contact CAW Communications, Angelo
DiCaro, (cell) (416) 606-6311; or CAW National Representative, Sukhvinder
Johl, (cell) (416) 419-3009