Delphi ups the ante, says UAW

Additional details are emerging from Delphi Corp.’s latest offer to the United Auto Workers union.

UAW Local 292 shop chairman George Anthony revealed Monday new details of Delphi’s Nov. 15 wage and benefits offer.

Delphi’s new offer would increase production wages from $10.50 up to $13 and skilled wages from $19 up to $21.50, according to the 292’s monthly report.

“This proposal is still a request for deep concessions,” Anthony wrote. “Under this new proposal, a UAW worker would have to work 187 years to make what CEO Steve Miller will make in six months. Doesn’t that sound competitive.”

An employee’s in-network medical copayment would decrease from 25 to 20 percent, according to the 292 document.

In-network deductibles would decrease from $900 to $450 for individuals with a $1,500 individual out-of-pocket maximum, according to 292.

Family in-network deductibles would decrease from $1,800 to $900 with a $3,000 family out-of-pocket maximum, and out-of-network deductibles would decrease from $900 to $450 per individual and from $1,800 to $900 per family, with a 40 percent co-payment, according to Local 292.

Anthony also praised U.S. Senator Evan Bayh for his interest in the Delphi situation. Anthony said he met for an hour Friday with a member of Bayh’s staff.

“Senator Bayh wanted to know what more he can do to help the working class of America, which includes the Delphi workers,” Anthony wrote. “Senator Bayh is the first Indiana politician interested in the workers needs concerning Delphi’s bankruptcy.”

Anthony also mentions “Oohs and Ahhs at Delphi’s Circus,” a Nov. 13 New York Times article which questions the compensation paid to Delphi executives.

Delphi contends its executives must be compensated at market price for their critical business knowledge.

Delphi, the nation’s largest auto supplier, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Oct. 8, citing costs that are globally uncompetitive.

In Kokomo, hourly workers make $24 to $27 an hour, about double that with benefits added.

The Troy, Mich.-based company’s initial wage and benefits offer to the UAW would slash the wages of hourly workers by more than 60 percent.

UAW leadership has blasted Delphi’s wage offers, fueling discussion among analysts about a possible strike in early 2006.

Experts have warned a Delphi strike would send ripple effects throughout the auto world, particularly to General Motors Corp.

Delphi spun off of GM in 1999 and the world’s largest automaker remains Delphi’s largest customer.

Jan. 24 is the date circled on UAW and Delphi calendars: That’s when court hearings on the Delphi-UAW collective bargaining agreement would start if the sides are unable to reach an agreement.