The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-08-28

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Toyota Set to Close California Plant

Toyota motor Corp decision to close down its factory in California after 25 years has sparked strong reactions. The California plant was jointly owned with the former General Motors Corp, known as New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. GM, however, abandoned its ownwership two months ago as part of GM's federally funded bankruptcy. This decision puts at risk more than 4.500 job positions. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke of a sad day in the history of Fremont as California joins the ranks of states adversely affected by the bankruptcy of GM and the worldwide collapse in demand for automobiles.

Indirect Threat to 35.000 Job Positions

The move reflects the Japanese industry's plans to cut excess production capacity and end the losses that the company.

Atsushi Niimi, executive vice president of Toyota, said in a statement the company determined the plant can't be economically viable and "we deeply regret having to take this action."

United Auto Workers union ,which represents the plant's hourly workers, called the decision âillogicalâ and âdevastating.â The U.A.W.'s president said he understood the need to reduce capacity, but he was more critical of Toyota's decision than of other recent cuts by the Detroit automakers. The Toyota workers âdeserve better than to be abandoned by this company, which has profited so richly from their labor, their productivity and their commitment to quality,â U.A.W.'s president said in a statement.

Officials believe that some 35.000 job positions indirectly linked to the specific auto industry are threatened. According to official data unemployment rate in California stands at 11.9%.

Older news items: News item: 26191

[02] New Meetings in View of ITF

"Priority on Support of Low Income Groups"

Exhaust of all limits to support low income groups in the mid of the global financial crisis is the government's top priority, the Prime- minister underlined on first day of his meetings with production sectors in view of ITF.

GSEE expressed its objection to the government's policy and announced mobilizations. SEV asked for acceleration of structural reforms.

On his part Finance Minister Yiannis Papathanasiou said: âEffort to exit from financial crisis is not easy and demands difficult but necessary national decisions.

Papandreou Contacts in View of ITF

PASOK leader G. Papandreou met with the boards of ADEDY, GSEE and SEV ahead of ITF. He underlined that PASOK would submit specific proposals for the restructuring of the economy.

GSEE president said that G. Papandreou committed himself to abolish a number of anti-labour bills passed by the ruling ND party.

Source: ÍÅÔ 105.8

Older news items: News item: 26190

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