The sit-downers did everything they did for nothing --Flint Delphi worker UAW moves to ram through massive Delphi concessions

As more details emerge, the sweeping character of the capitulation by the union is becoming clear. The UAW is surrendering virtually all the gains made by auto workers over the past 70 years in exchange for a worthless promise from Delphi to preserve at most a few thousand jobs. Among other things, the contract will impose pay cuts of up to 50 percent, slashing top rates from $27 to as low as $14. The deal slashes health benefits and freezes the defined benefit pension plan.

Only 4 of 29 plants are to continue operating as Delphi facilities. Another 10 will be shut down and the rest will either be sold as soon as possible or continue operating under third-party management until a buyer is found.

A copy of the UAW-Delphi memorandum of understanding posted by a dissident union faction reveals additional terms of the contract not previously leaked by the press. These include elimination of the jobs bank, a program that allows laid-off workers to continue receiving 95 percent of their previous wages until they are rehired. In its place the company is offering severance pay of $1,500 for every month of service up to a maximum of $40,000. This is an attempt to win support for the contract from a section of new hires, who are not eligible for the jobs bank until achieving three years seniority.

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