Steele Honda says it has a contingency plan in place to minimize disruptions during the strike. While they are disappointed that employees have chosen to strike, they say they fully respect the process and the rights of unionized employees.

Workers at the business (previously City Honda) on Kenmount Road went on strike this morning. The 40 employees are protesting what they say is an attempt by the company to change from an hourly wage to a “flat rate” scale.

They picketed Steele Mazda as they say the company is sending work from Honda to Mazda.

Rick Gill, president of Teamsters Local 855, says they represent workers at Honda and other auto places, but not Mazda.

Steele says they will do their best to re-schedule all service appointments as soon as possible and their sales team will continue to be available to help. They will bring a car to a potential customer for a test drive.

Rick Gill told VOCM’s Paul Raynes this morning that the company is also trying to impose a two-tier system whereby new hires are on a different pay scale.

He says no other unionized garages in the city have flat rates and the union will never agree to such a system.

The customer service line at Steele Honda is 1-800-667-9900.