NewsCenter 7's Mike Campbell spoke with United Steel workers union leaders. They represent 1,100 Delphi workers, including 300 at the Vandalia plant.
Special Section: Delphi Bankruptcy VIDEO On Demand: Delphi Asks Judge To Void Contracts Delphi Closures, Job Losses Could Hurt Miami Valley Economy
Delphi sent out a 10-page release saying that even though they’ve made progress in talks with unions and General Motors, it just hasn’t been enough. They want the authority to throw out the contracts with the unions.
Workers at the United Steel Local 87 said they are not ready to throw in the towel. They said the fight has just begun.
Dennis Bingham, president of United Steelworkers 87, said, “We’ve been faced this before. We went to the company, showed them you can make money in brakes, hose and mounts.”
Bingham said he has been on a non-stop shuttle between Detroit and Dayton. He has seen the reports that Delphi will close 14 or 21 of their 29 plants.
He said that in talks with the company or from the mouth of Delphi CEO Steve Miller, he has heard nothing definite.
Bingham said he is holding out hope for workers in his two plants in Vandalia and on Home Avenue, and every Delphi plant in the Dayton area.
Nothing will change immediately for any Delphi workers. The bankruptcy judge will hold a hearing to decide whether Delphi can throw the contracts out. That hearing is set for May 9 or 10.
In the meantime, the judge ordered both sides to keep talking and try to reach a mutal agreement.
The other big announcement from Delphi Friday came when the company said they plan to cut down to eight core facilities. The only Miami Valley facility that made the list is the Vandalia plant.
Delphi’s tentative plans indicate they will wind down or sell other plants by Jan. 1, 2008.