Official committed to saving pensions, keeping jobs bank

The number of workers in job banks is likely to fall next year.
DETROIT (AP) -- United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger reassured General Motors and Delphi retirees and workers Tuesday about the safety of their pensions, and also said the union would try to preserve the jobs bank that guarantees pay for laid-off workers.
During a live lunch-hour Internet chat Tuesday with union members and reporters on the UAW Web site, Gettelfinger was asked if the union is committed to preserving the jobs bank.
"Why would you think anything else?" he replied.
Disadvantage
Manufacturers have said that the jobs bank, in which laid-off workers get most of their pay and benefits even when they're not working, puts them at a competitive disadvantage with their Asian counterparts who make cars in the United States.
GM, Ford Motor and DaimlerChrysler have faced troubles this year as high gas prices shifted consumer demand from trucks and sport utility vehicles to more fuel-efficient models made mainly by Japanese competitors. All three, including GM, have announced production cuts to bring factory capacity in line with reduced demand for their products.
The number of workers in jobs banks is likely to fall next year as more workers leave GM and Ford through buyout and early retirement offers.
Gettelfinger also said there has been little discussion with Delphi on the company's request to reduce wages and benefits to cut its costs.
Bankruptcy protection
Delphi, the former parts-making arm of GM that was spun off as a separate company, is operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and has asked a court for permission to void its labor contracts.
"Our union has been available to meet with the corporation at any time, day or night, but honestly, at this time there has been very little discussion," he said.
The next meeting with Judge Robert Drain is slated for Nov. 30. He has set a Jan. 31, 2007 deadline to rule on the labor contract request.
Gettelfinger said GM's pension plan is well funded.
"You have no cause for concern," he told a member identified only as a recent retiree from Flint.
Gettelfinger also told a worker from Saginaw that benefit guarantees in the UAW contract with Delphi would prevent the company from defaulting on its pension plan, although he did not see what would happen when the contract expires.
The UAW master contract with Ford, GM and DaimlerChrysler expires on Sept. 14, 2007, and Gettelfinger said contract talks would begin with GM in July.