On Tuesday November 29, 2005 UAW local unions all across the country participated in a series of “informational pickets” across the country to refute many of the misconceptions that have been perpetuated in the press concerning the Delphi bankruptcy. The International Union encouraged local unions to hold “informational pickets” as a method of grass roots communication to local media outlets to tell our side of the story.

There are a lot of misconceptions being printed about the situation at Delphi. Steve Miller is trying to convince the general public that Delphi’s woes are the worker’s fault. At the same time he is trying to work a deal that would give 480 executives a bonus of 250% of their salary. The New York Times recently reported that Steve Miller’s Executive Compensation Plan would mean more in bonuses for six months to the top 21 executives at Delphi than the top 33 at Toyota make in salaries in a year. Delphi had planned to petition the court for approval of this plan on November 28, 2005. However the UAW filed an injunction against the move during the week of November 21. The UAW was joined in their petition by the PBGC and two mutual funds that are suing Delphi.

Local 2195 had over 200 members come out on November 29 and join in the fight. Many took vacation and spend the entire day on the line, while others came before or after the shift to support the effort.

Each gate across the site had members assigned to it, while the overflow of the rest congregated at the intersection of Sandy Road and Highway 31. Passing traffic sounded their horns in support of the effort that was being placed. A number of our members were interviewed by local TV and newspapers and national think tank web site truthout.org linked to the piece from the Decatur Daily.

Miller’s Executive Compensation Plan is designed to reward those at the very top of the organization for steering the corporation into the ditch. Delphi’s Key Employee Compensation Plan (KECP) covers 595 Delphi executives at a cost of $574 million, nearly one million dollars each. In addition approximately $50 million in bonuses will be paid to the top 5 Delphi executives (excluding severance payments). The Wall Street Journal called the plan the most lucrative executive compensation plan ever submitted in a bankruptcy court.

Delphi had asked the judge to void the currently national agreement on December 16, 2005. However, on November 28, 2005 they ask the court to extend the deadline until January 20, 2005. The International Union had stated they would not return to the bargaining table until the second contract offer Delphi had made was withdrawn. The UAW stated the offer was so bad they refused to begin bargaining from that point. On December 12, 2005 Delphi announced they would withdraw the offer and put together a new proposal to work from. In the meantime, General Motors has entered the discussions and has stated they are willing assist the two parties in reaching an agreement. A strike at Delphi could cripple GM so their interest in the negotiations is growing. If an agreement isn’t reached by January 20, 2005, Delphi will ask the judge to void the current national agreement. The judge will then hear argument from each side and rule on the motion within 30 days. During this time the three sides will be able to continue their negotiations.

The weeks and months ahead will continue to be difficult, but we must maintain our stance of solidarity to see our way through this issue.