Friends,
I do not work for Delphi. I worked for Guide for a few years. My
husband also worked for Guide. The whole situation with Delphi seems
very familiar to the Guide situation and it should. Guide was part of
Delphi/Gm until they were spun off. Most things regarding the Delphi
situation here are very reflective of what happened at guide.
In 2004 we were told either we voted in a contract that created a two
tier wage structure or else GM would pull the truck contract, which
would eventually result in a plant closing. GM had failed to renew the
contract, but lead us all to believe that deal would be solidified as
soon as the uaw/guide contract was ratified. There were a lot of
scared people. They ratified it believing it was their only choice and
feeling as though some job was better than no job.
After the contract was ratified it was announced GM was giving the
truck contract to other suppliers. Other contracts were reallocated.
In the end ratifiying the lower wage structure did not solidify jobs,
promote GM investments, or do anything other than save GM a lot of
money during the wind-down. Concessions were a band-aid. The decision
had already been made to reallocate work and close guide. No amount of
concessions was going to stop that.
Now you have the same problem at Delphi all over again. Only this time
it is going to affect a lot more workers and livlihoods. The bigger
picture for Delphi is that whatever is done at Delphi will set a
precedence throughout not only the automotive industry, but
manufacturing as a whole. It is a frightening prospect for the working
class that what has been gained not only in unionized shops, but for
American workers across the board is in serious danger of being
destroyed with one pen stroke.
Delphi workers have some very strong support, and many organizations
and friends across the nation that support not only Delphi, but the
working class interests and recognize this is an attack not only on
you, but on jobs and benefits to American workers as a whole. Like it
or not you've been given the burden of making a decision when you vote
yes or no for our nation's working class. This is not a time to be
self-interested. Think about the realities of what a yes vote means.
Guide, American Axle and other independant suppliers were simply test
models for a larger goal, and so is Delphi. If Delphi/GM is successful
and Miller gets to throw the axe on the workers, then no manufacturing
worker is really safe. Analysts are already predicting if this goes
through it will set a precedence, with industry after industry
following suit. GM, Ford and Chrysler first, and then the ripple
affect throughout the rest of the industries and country will be quick
and precise. Good jobs that allow for a decent standard of living will
be a thing of the past.
If they are going to take your job elsewhere they will do it with or
without concessions. They will do it with or without your approval.
Rolling over and letting them strip everything you, your parents, and
grandparents worked for, without a stong fight, never benefitted
anyone.
