Delphi workers brace for new cuts Bad news rekindles talk of a strike

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.buffalonews.com/101/story/61344.html?imw=Y

Delphi workers brace for new cuts
Bad news rekindles talk of a strike
By Bill Michelmore - NEWS NIAGARA BUREAU
Updated: 04/25/07 7:11 AM


LOCKPORT — Many of the more than 2,000 workers at the Delphi Thermal Systems plant were told Tuesday to brace themselves for drastic new cuts in pay and benefits in a scenario they said was like reliving a nightmare.

Members of Local 686, United Auto Workers, shaken a year ago with layoffs, pay cuts and early buyouts, listened anxiously as international union leaders said they may face another round.


Workers at Delphi Thermal Systems have faced an uncertain future while the company tries to emerge from bankruptcy.

The update on contract talks, delivered behind closed doors, rekindled talk of a strike at the region’s largest manufacturing employer. The current contract expires in September, but several workers said they expected a walkout before then.

“It’s the same old story over and over again,” said John Miller, an eight-year Delphi worker and a father of six.

Workers were told that the company wants to slash the wages of veteran workers who make about $27 an hour to around the $14 level currently being paid new workers.

“The company is asking for the world,” said Robert J. Pilhorn, who worked at Delphi for 38 years and is now president of Local 686 Retirees. “They want cuts all the way down the line, from wages to health benefits to life insurance.”

FULL story at link.