Delphi contract benefits all

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.tribune-chronicle.com/Editorials/articles.asp?articleID=21788

Delphi Packard Electric union workers created a future.

Approving a four-year contract that includes drastic pay cuts and increased health care contributions, the workers placed the company into a beneficial position to attract future business. And in creating a future for itself the International Union of Electrical Workers-Communications Worker of America also improved Delphi’s and Trumbull County’s economic future.

Delphi has been trudging through the murky waters of federal bankruptcy court since Oct. 8, 2005. Companies in such peril find it very difficult to keep their customers, yet alone drum up new business.

With labor peace guaranteed through 2011, the ability to emerge successfully from bankruptcy is strengthened, as is the ability to attract new customers.

Local 717 in Warren passed the contract 654-223. Voter turnout hovered at about 90 percent. About 74 percent approved. Nationally, the results were similar.

Under the contract, Delphi will keep plants open on North River Road in Warren, Cortland, Vienna, Rootstown, Brookhaven, Miss., and Clinton, Miss. The contract provides pension and health care benefits for nearly 5,000 eligible local employees who are retirees.

FULL story at link.