Billy Covington If you’re considering buying a Subaru vehicle, you might be wondering if the company is unionized. This is an important consideration for many people who want to support fair labor practices and workers’ rights. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the question of whether or not Subaru is made by unions.
Key Takeaways
- Subaru is partially owned by Toyota, which has a history of anti-union behavior.
- Subaru’s manufacturing facilities in the United States are not currently unionized.
- However, some of Subaru’s suppliers and contractors may be unionized.
- Subaru has been the target of union organizing efforts in the past, and it remains a controversial issue within the company and the broader labor movement.
Subaru’s Ownership Structure
Before we delve into Subaru’s union status, it’s important to understand the company’s ownership structure. Subaru is a subsidiary of the Japanese conglomerate Fuji Heavy Industries, which is now known as Subaru Corporation. However, in 2019, Toyota acquired a 20% stake in the company, making it Subaru’s largest shareholder.
This raises questions about how Subaru’s labor practices may be influenced by Toyota’s notoriously anti-union stance. In the past, Toyota has been criticized for union-busting tactics and for creating a company culture that discourages workers from organizing.
Subaru’s Union Status
So, is Subaru made by unions? The short answer is no, at least not in the United States. Subaru’s manufacturing facilities in Indiana and Ohio are not currently unionized, meaning that the workers at these plants do not have a collective bargaining agreement with management.
However, it’s worth noting that some of Subaru’s suppliers and contractors may be unionized. For example, the United Auto Workers (UAW) represents workers at several companies that supply parts to Subaru’s factories. Additionally, some of the trucking and logistics companies that transport Subaru vehicles may be unionized as well.
Subaru has been the target of union organizing efforts in the past. In 2011, the UAW attempted to organize workers at Subaru’s Lafayette, Indiana plant, but the effort ultimately failed. Since then, there have been sporadic efforts to organize at Subaru facilities, but none have been successful thus far.
The Controversy Over Subaru and Unions
The question of whether or not Subaru should be unionized is a controversial one. Supporters of unionization argue that it would help to ensure fair wages, benefits, and working conditions for Subaru’s employees. They also point out that union representation can give workers a greater voice in the decision-making process and help to prevent abusive or exploitative practices by management.
On the other hand, opponents of unionization argue that it could make Subaru less competitive and lead to higher prices for consumers. They also argue that unions can be overly bureaucratic and resistant to change, which could stifle innovation and efficiency.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to unionize is up to the workers at Subaru’s facilities. If a majority of workers vote to unionize, then management would be required to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with the union. However, the process of organizing a union can be difficult and fraught with obstacles, including opposition from management and anti-union propaganda.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Subaru is not currently made by unions in the United States, but the company’s ownership structure and labor practices are still a matter of debate and controversy. While some argue that union representation would benefit Subaru’s employees and promote fair labor practices, others worry that it could make the company less competitive and lead to higher prices for consumers.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to unionize is up to the workers at Subaru’s facilities. In the meantime, consumers who want to support fair labor practices may want to consider purchasing vehicles from companies that have a strong union presence, or from companies that have a demonstrated commitment to workers’ rights and fair labor practices.
FAQ
Is Subaru a Japanese company?
Yes, Subaru is a Japanese company. It was originally known as Fuji Heavy Industries before being rebranded as Subaru Corporation in 2017.
Does Toyota own Subaru?
Toyota owns a 20% stake in Subaru Corporation, making it the company’s largest shareholder. However, Subaru is still an independent company and manages its own operations.
Are there any unionized Subaru plants?
No, as of 2021, Subaru’s manufacturing facilities in the United States are not currently unionized. However, some of Subaru’s suppliers and contractors may be unionized.
