So much for Assemblyman Jose Solorio’s “California is Golden” media campaign…Toyota has announced that they are closing their manufacturing plant in Fremont.
Here are some excerpts about this from the Contra Costa Times:
There’s plenty of blame to go around. Clearly, labor costs were a factor. NUMMI is the only unionized Toyota factory in the country. Its workers earn about $27 to $28 an hour in wages, compared to about $15 to $20 at Toyota’s other factories in North America. Clearly, the state’s political response was pathetic, with legislators promising help to keep Toyota in California but failing to actually act, leaving bills bottled up in committee while Toyota moved forward with its decision.
But to blame the unions or blame lawmakers misses the bigger point: California is struggling to preserve manufacturing jobs. The state must find a way to stay nationally and globally competitive while still paying a livable wage to workers. The 4,700 NUMMI jobs will be lost, as will thousands of ancillary positions at companies that provide the Fremont plant with parts and supplies.
California is not golden Jose. You and your fellow legislators have turned shiny gold into yucky mold…
F- Demoncraps u dug the hole for California!
Now their all freaking out,about losing businesses!!! Way to go Demoncraps!
Keep raising taxes!!! My advice to business owner move to Texas !
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My advice to republicans is to MOVE TO TEXAS!
I am sick of small business owners crying foul. These guys are the biggiset cheats of all.
Here’s an idea pay your fair share.
Now that plant can be used to build electric bicycles and battery packs for the future.
Or maybe that Indian car that sells for $2,500. Retail.
Art,
You should get your facts straight. The NUMMI plant, isn’t a Toyota plant. New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI) was originally a General Motors plant opened in 1962 and shut down in 1982. GM and Toyota reopened the factory as a joint venture in 1984 to manufacture vehicles to be sold under both brands. GM pulled out of the venture about 8 or 9 months ago, leaving Toyota holding the bag. In support of its workers, Toyota kept the plant open as long as possible and in fact has just pledged $250 million in bonuses to its managers & workers (pending negotiations with the UAW). It’s a shame people continue to mischaracterize Toyota’s role in this situation.