Workers at Toyota in Brazil have voted overwhelmingly to approve a temporary layoff plan after storm damage disrupted operations at one of the company’s key factories. The decision was confirmed by the Metalworkers’ Union of Sorocaba on Sunday.
The plan comes after heavy rain and winds on September 22 damaged Toyota’s Porto Feliz facility in Sao Paulo, where engines are produced. The damage initially forced a suspension of work at both the Porto Feliz plant and the Sorocaba facility, which assembles vehicles including the Yaris, Corolla, and Corolla Cross.
According to the union, the temporary layoff plan is intended to protect jobs and incomes. It will officially begin on October 21, following a 20-day emergency vacation period starting this week. The arrangement may be extended monthly for up to 150 days, depending on how quickly the factory can recover.
Toyota confirmed that it continues to assess the extent of the damage. The company said it may take several months before operations can fully resume at Porto Feliz. In the meantime, Toyota is looking for alternative engine suppliers from its international units to help restart production at the Sorocaba and Indaiatuba plants.
Union officials highlighted that the agreement ensures workers earning up to 10,000 reais ($1,869) per month will continue to receive full pay during the layoff period. This guarantee was a key point in negotiations between employees and the company.
More than 96% of workers supported the proposal. Out of 4,492 eligible employees, 3,709 participated in the vote, with a strong majority backing the temporary layoff plan.
The union described the decision as a necessary step to safeguard workers’ livelihoods while Toyota works to overcome production disruptions caused by the storm.
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