DELPHI PACKARD Union OKs voluntary layoffs

Packard continues to move work from its Dana Street plant.
WARREN -- The union at Delphi Packard Electric Systems has agreed to allow workers with high seniority to volunteer to be laid off before retiring in October.
The auto parts maker sought the change as it prepares to transfer more workers from its Dana Street plant in Warren.
Ann Cornell Vickers, a Packard spokeswoman, said workers who plan to retire during a special incentive window in October can take a layoff sooner if they wish. Workers retiring during the window can receive up to $15,000.
About 2,000 of the 4,600 members of Local 717 of the International Union of Electrical Workers will be eligible to retire in October, although it isn't known how many will leave.
Workers who agree to be laid off would receive about 95 percent of their base pay in unemployment compensation and supplemental benefits provided in the union's labor contract.
Packard would benefit from not having to transfer workers who are about to retire, Cornell Vickers said. It would be able to transfer younger workers and begin training them, she said.
Shifting operations
Packard is reducing its work force as it moves its plastic injection molding operations from Dana Street to plants in Cortland and Vienna. The Cortland plant employs 160, while Vienna will employ 180 when it is running at capacity this fall, Cornell Vickers said.
Packard is installing new molding machines in Cortland and Vienna to increase the efficiency and quality of its plastic parts.
Packard also intends to move ignition and some other work from Dana Street to its plant on North River Road, she said. She wasn't sure of the number of workers to be moved.
Packard's administration offices will remain on Dana Street for now, but officials aren't sure for how long, she said.
shilling@vindy.com