Action by UAW could slow work at Delphi

The Detriot Free Press reports:

Union leaders at one of Delphi Corp.'s largest plants are circulating a call for a work action that could slow down production at the nation's largest auto supplier. It was the first shot across the bow by unions since Delphi proposed severe pay and benefit cuts.

In a flyer obtained by the Free Press, UAW Local 686 in Lockport, N.Y., suggested to its more than 4,700 members who make radiators and other vital auto components that they not go above and beyond the call of duty, which essentially means the union seeks to slow down the plant.

A work slowdown or stoppage at Delphi plants could severely hamper automakers that depend on a steady flow of parts from the supplier, particularly former parent General Motors Corp., which remains its largest customer..

Dan Savino, who has put in five years at the Lockport plant, said Thursday that the mood among workers is grim.

"We were basically told, 'Do your job, but don't go the extra mile,' " Savino said. "We're so angry that we're ready to go on strike right now to fight for what we believe in."

Delphi Chief Executive Officer Steve Miller told the Free Press on Oct. 21: "Any plant that wants to be at the top of our plant closure list should engage in industrial action as a way of sending that message."