Toyota to Reopen NUMMI Plant in Fremont: Religious Leaders & Workers Celebrate & Pray for More Jobs

FREMONT, Calif., May 24, 2010; On Monday, May 24, 2010, Bay Area religious, political and community leaders will join to celebrate Toyota's recent decision to partner with Tesla and reopen the NUMMI plant in Fremont - the last automobile production facility in California.

At a time when our State is grappling with a 12.6% unemployment rate and extreme pressures on our schools, healthcare, and housing, Toyota's decision to invest in the viability of California's economic recovery is indeed cause for celebration.

Faith leaders, political and labor leaders will hear from former supply workers of NUMMI as they ask Toyota to stand with members of the community and strengthen the viability of green auto manufacturing and California's economic recovery by rehiring the award winning workforce recently laid off, recognizing their union, and allocating sufficient Toyota production to this facility to insure its viability.

When the Fremont plant closed, 4,700 NUMMI workers were laid off. It's estimated that another 25,000 workers were laid off as a result of the NUMMI closing.

"Toyota has announced that its joint venture with Tesla will hire 1,000 workers," says Bishop Mary Susan Gast, United Church of Christ. "We give thanks to Toyota for responding to the concerns of the community. This is a great start. If Toyota uses their new joint venture with Tesla to turn the old NUMMI facility into a research and production hub for green vehicles, the faith community and all people of good will in California will embrace this company."