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Dec 10, 2008 5:19 pm US/Central
Local GM Workers Worried As Bailout Talks Continue
ARLINGTON (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
As lawmakers play political tug-of-war over details surrounding the auto bailout package, workers at Arlington's GM plant say they're worried. If an agreement isn't reached soon, they could lose it all.
Work continued as usual on the line inside the plant Wednesday.
"Everybody's hurting. It's not just auto workers. We know that," said GM employee Ana Taveres. "We're just wondering why is it taking so long to take care of us?"
Many employees say they've invested years with the company and they fear without some government assistance they could lose it all.
"Twenty one and a half years… for it to just be thrown out… it's not an easy thing to swallow," said GM employee Jeff Mowdy.
Workers say the $14 billion bridge loan will help save their jobs. A total of 2,500 North Texans work at GM.
As lawmakers battle over the bailout in Washington, workers here battle it out on the line, hoping they'll have a job in the near future. The local union president said the union is willing to do what it takes to keep GM on track.
"GM has told us they have enough payroll until December. After that, there's no money, so I would imagine there would be some quick layoffs coming," said union president Enrique Flores.
Flores says the union is implementing cuts of a different kind to help save some much needed cash. "We've already given up a lot," he said.
According to sources, the union has agreed to assume the financial burden of healthcare benefits, an amount totaling several billion dollars every year. Also, the union has moved to a two-tier pay scale, paying employees according to experience. The average seasoned worker makes up to $30 an hour.
Another way to save $150 million annually would be to suspend the jobs bank program, which was set in place of laid-off employees.
"We've said all along, we'll make sacrifices. All we ask is sacrifices be made across the board equally," said Flores.
Bug giving up current pay range may not be what every union member has in mind. "This is my 25th year," said Margie Nash. "I don't want to do that."
Flores say contracts have been retooled three times in the pasty two years – an unprecedented amount. He also says the union isn't asking for the removal of GM's CEO, but will support congress if that is their decision.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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