Growing demand for utility vehicle prompts automaker to re-institute 9-hour shifts
Toyota's economic fortunes seem to be improving and workers will benefit. The Japanese automaker has lifted the overtime freeze at its Woodstock, Ont., plant.
In light of the global economic crisis, the automaker cut overtime, laid off temporary workers and froze some benefits and wages in February.
But Canadian sales of the RAV-4 utility vehicle increased 24 per cent in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the same time last year.
In order to meet growing demand, Toyota will re-institute the nine-hour shifts starting in May.
In the United States, the sales figures aren't as good with RAV-4 sales down eight per cent this year. But that isn't as bad as when sales plunged 24 per cent in 2008 compared to 2007.
