On June 22, 2007 a tentative agreement was reached between the UAW-GM-Delphi concerning the bankruptcy situation and the national contract. Representatives from the International Union where on hand at the Local 2195 Union Hall on June 25, 2007 to go over the details of this agreement.

As part of their restructuring plan, Delphi has decided to close the Alabama Site and consolidate the operation here to Saginaw, Michigan to be sold. This decision was not part of the negotiations, but rather the consequences of the decision were addressed in the contract negotiations. The 300 traditional employees left on the Athens Site will be given the opportunity to transfer to the Spring Hill Assembly located at Spring Hill, Tennessee. These employees will be placed in the jobs bank there until jobs become available. Local 2195 members who have no flowback rights to GM will receive a severance package of $1500 per month of service up to $40,000. The attrition and retirement packages offered last year will be repeated including buyout packages for those with 10 or more years of service if they so desire. Each of these offers depends on ratification of the agreement and the approval of the bankruptcy court.

The current plan is to cease operations by March of 2009 here in Athens. This announcement is a blow to our members, their families and the community as a whole. For over 32 years this facility has been an important part of the lives of those employed here and those indirectly affected in the community. The loss of this facility will have far reaching impact to the entire Tennessee Valley area.

Contrary to the comments of some in the press, this announcement has nothing to do with the unionization of this location. Without union protection, the greed of this company would have resulted in the end of operations here years ago. President Gettelfinger has commented on a number of occasions on how the Delphi Bankruptcy is a prime example of the corporate “hogs feeding at the trough.” This is a very true statement. Coupled with the additional challenge of a federal bankruptcy judge who caters to corporate interest, the situation at Delphi has been an up hill climb.

Now more than ever, this membership needs to pull together in solidarity. The past 18 months have been difficult and the next 18 will prove to be hard as well. I know these are difficult times and there are a lot of emotions around this issue, but the last thing we need is division among our ranks. I ask each member of this local to hold fast together as this situation plays out. During the process, we will take every effort to keep this membership informed on any additional information that may come available.

On Thursday June 28, 2007 there will be a ratification vote held on the tentative agreement.

In Solidarity,
Local 2195 President
Vaughn Goodwin