Delphi picket gets support

[BeatleBoot]

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051130/AUTO01/511300354

Delphi picket gets support

GM staffers help union in Flint, elsewhere protest supplier's plans for wage cuts and exec payouts.

Brett Clanton / The Detroit News

FLINT-- Hundreds of Delphi Corp. workers and retirees picketed outside of plants around the country Tuesday. The protesters, who were joined by fellow United Auto Workers union members from General Motors Corp., voiced their disapproval of Delphi management, proposed wage cuts and an executive compensation plan.

"I think they're trying to get rid of the unions, put money in their pockets and screw the working class," said Paul S. Goss, 65, outside the entrance of the Delphi Flint East Plant. Goss, a retired machinist from the same plant, said the company's proposed wage and benefit cuts will reach deep into many communities.

"I gotta feeling, a lot of people ain't gonna' have a good Christmas," he said.

<snip>

The plan would give stock options and cash bonuses to about 600 executives when Delphi emerges from bankruptcy. Delphi also wants to extend severance packages from 12-18 months for some key executives. Delphi says the plan is necessary to keep its executive team in place during the bankruptcy process.

"Why would you compensate somebody for running a company into the ground?" asked Kathy Otto, president of Local 1292 from Grand Blanc. She helped bring 50 people to the Flint protest.

Krell said the UAW was encouraging its 23 Delphi local unions to hold informational pickets. Events were planned across the country, he said. In Kokomo, Ind., workers were scheduled to picket at all plant entrances for most of the day, while a large rally was planned for today in Lockport, N.Y., according to union Web sites.

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[SammyWinstonJack]

1. Good call.

"I think they're trying to get rid of the unions, put money in their pockets and screw the working class." I'd say that is a correct assumption. It's what republicans do.

[Sadie5]

2. It's good to see someone finally

fighting back.