Posted on 12/11/2005 11:18:40 AM PST by Brilliant
KOKOMO, Ind. (AP) -- At least a thousand people rallied in central Indiana against steep wage cuts proposed by auto parts manufacturer Delphi Corp., which has filed for bankruptcy protection.
Workers say the proposed cuts -- from $27 an hour to between $10 and $12.50 -- are unfair, especially as Delphi has given bonuses to managers and other executives. United Auto Workers officials have said a strike against Delphi appears increasingly likely.
"To the Delphi workers here and everyone else, there are 380,000 union workers in the state of Indiana who will march in this battle with you," said Indiana AFL-CIO President Ken Zeller. "You are not alone."
Workers carried signs that read, "Delphi cooks the books/Workers get BURNED."
Delphi spokesman Lindsey Williams declined comment.
One in three jobs in Kokomo is tied to manufacturing, and the Howard County community is poised to take a heavy blow as its two big employers -- Delphi and DaimlerChrysler -- eye layoffs or pay cuts.
Delphi has been operating under bankruptcy protection since October and is seeking to cut hourly workers' wages by more than 60 percent.
Based in Troy, Mich., Delphi has about 6,000 employees in Indiana, most of whom work at the company's Electronics & Safety Division headquartered in Kokomo.
The company was founded in 1999 as a spin-off from General Motors. With 185,000 workers worldwide, Delphi is the nation's largest auto supplier.
GM is responsible for their pensions, even though GM hasn't owned the company for more than 6 years. Another unbelievably stupid move. Now they are going to take down GM as well.
Let them all go start businesses of their own so they get a dose of reality.
Actually I read that it is $34.00 for the benefits which means that they are paying $61.00 an hour.
That is way to high especially considering that they are paying some of these people literally to come in an sit around and drink coffee all day.
Stupid is as stupid does.
The lowest, like Nucore(SP?) Steel and industrial leader. The pay low wages to executives but high bonuses. The bonuses are directly tied to productivity and profitablity. Not profits no bonus.
"The lowest, like Nucore(SP?) Steel and industrial leader. The pay low wages to executives but high bonuses. The bonuses are directly tied to productivity and profitablity. Not profits no bonus"
Yeah, I'll bet the Nucore janitor set that up for them.....
sour grapes?
Basically put up or shutup....
You're right. IAM and AFL/CIO blue collar unions strike over such emotional stuff as respect and pride.
But there is a big difference between blue collar and white collar unions, imo. Professional unions know the business strategy and work with the company to negotiate a good deal where both sides win. The real pay-off is to have a good working relationship with the unions. This way the worker isn't screwed by greedy executives and the unions don't bankrupt the company.
There is such as a thing as conservative union members and conservative union leaders.
Absolutely agree. By taking a stand, they are telling other companies that it is not right to treat people like that. If they did nothing, this type of thing would continue unchecked.
I think you have to give credit to anyone who stands up for what they believe. Is it better to just complain and do nothing?
In a huge company, unions are a necessity to enable a cohesive workforce. If they play it right, the Company can use the union for its benefit. Think about it. They can say, you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. For example, you have everyone take a wage cut to help the company survive and we'll pay your medical benefits. I think both sides are stupid if they can't work together like that.
Unions have outlived their day. We have enough laws in place now to protect workers.
"sour grapes?"
I was being charitable as possible by not pointing out the wide-ranging and ridiculous nature of your postings. The previous one almost seemed cogent, but contradicted your earlier ones......but really, it doesn't matter.
You are clearly unequipped for a reasonable business discussion, though don't let my opinion keep you from trying, you're actually pretty funny once I understood where you were coming from.
I rather doubt it. We have have some "professionals" trying to unionize at my place of employment. They are always whining and complaining in their recruiting mail. It is really is rather unbecoming.
"In a huge company, unions are a necessity to enable a cohesive workforce. If they play it right, the Company can use the union for its benefit. Think about it. They can say, you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours."
Well, in Delphi's case, while the union and management were scratching each others backs, their competition cleaned their clock.
I totally disagree with your opinion on the unions enabling a cohesive workforce. Workforce cohesion is best achieved by having a common purpose and common goal - and excellent leadership. Unions, like the UAW impede this as a way of perpetuating themselves.
Why is it unbecoming? If you don't want to join a union, can you just say no?
There is strength in numbers though, isn't there? An Army of one doesn't get too far, you think?
I agree, most of the blue collar unions are thugs, but if they were smart, both sides could benefit.
"I agree, most of the blue collar unions are thugs, but if they were smart, both sides could benefit."
That's the problem, they're not smart. What you advocate is some sort of trade guild that doesn't take any old slacker as a member, simply for paying dues. If an organization like that could guarantee productivity increases that exceeded their pay increase desires - they'd get them every time and more.
Unions are unnecessary and detrimental overhead to the average worker. The Delphi rank-and-file are just now figuring that out. I truly do feel sorry for these employees and their communities, because they will never be the same. But at least they have the support of the UAW........maybe that will tide them over.
No. Kiss merit pay increases goodbye. I was briefly in a union 15 years ago. They didn't do jack s**t and cost me 2% of my wages.
This is exactly what I am talking about. Guarantee only minimal raises to keep up with the cost of living and tie all other raises to the market and employee productivity. Why not?
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