Outsiders don’t know what’s best for Toyota

Born in the hills of Harlan County, Kentucky, I learned early in life the values of honesty, hard work and respect for others. I carried those values with me when I joined the United States Navy and later when I entered the civilian workforce at Toyota Kentucky in 1990 as a production team member.

For the past three decades, together with countless Kentuckians, we have built the Georgetown plant into a place that represents team members and their families from across the commonwealth.

Toyota shows up for its team members and Kentucky

We have been through many good times and some hard times, but time and time again, Toyota has shown up for its team members and this community. In 2008, when other automakers were asking U.S. taxpayers for a bailout, and thousands of autoworkers lost their jobs or were laid off, Toyota did not waver. It stood on its word and remembered its promises to its team members – not laying off a single full-time employee. Toyota continued this for months until the market recovered.

Labor organizations promise big increases when times are good, but they have no proven ability to secure stable employment through industry challenges. Unfortunately, it’s the workers who are left facing layoffs.

Growing up, my parents taught me to appreciate the differences in people. At Toyota, Respect for People is a core value; it defines who we are as a company. Every decision we make is with our team members and customers at the forefront.

Toyota team members speak for themselves

Outsiders are coming into our community to talk about what they think is best for Toyota team members. Let me be clear: Our team members have the power to speak and advocate for themselves, and they do so every single day. This has served them well over the past three and a half decades, and that will continue in the decades to come.

Toyota team members know this company, and they know this community. They live here. They’re the heart of Toyota.

I am proud to work for Toyota, and I truly believe that by sharing the facts and leading with transparency, we will continue to be an employer of choice and supportive partner building a strong community.

ALTON STRUPP/COURIER JOURNAL Visitors tour the showroom area at the Kentucky Toyota Plant in Georgetown.