There are an estimated 50,000 retirees here in the Miami Valley.
Union president Gaylen Turner says much of their benefits are federally protected, but he says Congress still needs to act.
Turner said, "They've got to do something and start today and do what they need to do or tens of millions of people are going to be without a job from California to Maine."
After the Wall Street bailout passed, the auto industry began seeking equal treatment. Without it, some are predicting a ripple effect in the economy. GM retiree Larry Combs said, " Less money is going to be spent at the stores and there's going to be a lot of homes lost. If they lost part of their pension, they're going to file for bankruptcy."
General Motors officials announced today it would extend holiday shutdowns and make other production cuts at five North American factories. They may return to Congress soon to try their bailout request one more time.