Rail strike means no freight trains for the Toyota plant in Cambridge for foreseeable future

One of the biggest employers in Waterloo Region that absolutely needs rail service is the Toyota plant in Cambridge, and that company says they’ve been getting ready for today’s nationwide rail strike.

A statement to 570 NewsRadio from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada said they’ve been taking proactive countermeasures to mitigate any short-term interruptions of service, in anticipation of the rail strike that began at midnight this morning.

Toyota describes itself as a just-in-time manufacturer that relies on a steady, predictable flow of parts to operate.

The statement expresses hope the strike and lock-out can be resolved sooner than later.

However, the statement does not answer specific questions from 570 NewsRadio, including whether the strike means any workers lose a paid shift, or if production at the plant will have to be ramped down.

Toyota also operates a plant in Woodstock.

Toyota Canada has roughly 9,400 employees nationwide.