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Dec 3, 2008 4:05 pm US/Central
GM Workers Rally Outside Sen. Cornyn's Office
ARLINGTON (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Auto workers are ready to make some major changes if it helps the Big Three get their bailout.
Officials with the United Auto Workers Union say they will modify contracts with General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. It will also make concessions on some benefits.
Wednesday GM employees from the Arlington plant rallied outside Senator John Cornyn's office, hoping to change his mind about the $25 billion bailout.
The workers chanted, "Our jobs! Your future!" They know the UAW is offering concessions to win big government loans. But without billions in help, they feel their GM future is "not good."
"I'm so close to retiring; seven more years," said GM employee Ana Taveras. "I was there for ten years. I remember the last day when the plant closed, walking, not looking behind me, just crying tears because it becomes like a family. General Motors is like a big family. We all stick together. We all work together."
If GM finds the financial engine it needs to keep running, the Arlington plant stands a good chance of survival. It builds the company's SUV's for its most popular brands. They have to convince Congress the money is needed.
Senator Cornyn released the following statement: "I intend to review their proposals closely, keeping in mind the critical need to protect and strengthen Texas jobs while at the same time ensuring accountability of taxpayer dollars."
"I always worried about it happening. I didn't think it'd happen this quick," said retired GM employee Randy Philpot. He retired after 30 years on the job. He worries now he won't have a pension for his retirement with his granddaughter.
"I can't hold on my hands and feet the number of times I wanted to quit. But I knew I had a family to raise. I knew it'd be a good future for me. And it has been. And we'll see what the future brings from now on," he said.
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