Delphi Members Approve Four-Year Pact

Nearly two years after their employer declared bankruptcy, Delphi Corp. workers represented by eight IUE-CWA locals have voted by a wide margin to ratify a new four-year contract.

"The past two years have been a difficult period for our members and local unions," IUE-CWA President Jim Clark said. "This vote gives members options about their future on the job and allows the union to start the rebuilding process. Delphi is now more competitive than ever thanks to the sacrifices of our members. If the company succeeds, the workers deserve the credit and should share in future rewards."

The contract, covering 2,000 workers, has been approved by the federal bankruptcy court and goes into effect immediately. Although it includes wage cuts, it also gives workers options ranging from retirement to buyouts that Clark said will let members make the best decisions for themselves and their families.

Under the contract, plants in Warren, Ohio, and Clinton and Brookhaven, Miss., will remain as part of Delphi. A plant in Gadsden, Ala., and one in Kettering, Ohio, will be sold. The plant in Moraine, Ohio, will close. Plants in Anaheim, Calif., and New Brunswick, N.J., already have closed but still had members eligible to vote on the Delphi payroll.