Lockport Plant Downsizing
by Lisa Cialfa
The Delphi plant in Lockport used to be one of the area’s top employers, but over the past year has cut its work force drastically. The company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Its executives say it is “transitioning,” that Delphi will emerge as a profitable company in the next few years. No one is holding their breath. Last month the beleagured company offered its remaining workers an option: Take half your pay with no benefits or take a buyout of your contract of up to $140,000. About 1,300 workers at the Lockport plant have taken the buyout so far. The company’s president, Ronald M. Pirtle, has been quoted saying, “Being such a leader to this region’s bottom line is a responsibility we take very seriously at Delphi Thermal.” Shortly after he said that, the SEC fined Delphi for fraudulent accounting. Would you take the money, the pay cut or stand your ground?
Name: Joshua Cohen
Occupation: Deli manager
Residence: Long Island
Should they take the money and would you? Yes, I would take the money. They should and I would.
What would you do with the money? Keep it for savings because you’re obviously not going to have the job.
If you could give $140,000 to one person to walk away from their job, who would it be? George Bush, because he sucks. Hopefully he would just leave if I gave him some money.
Name: Sheila Morse
Occupation: Assembler
Residence: Buffalo
Do you think they should take the money and would you? The workers take the money and just retire? Certainly, retire. Definitely.
What would you do with the money? Plan for my future and pay debts.
If you could give $140,000 to one person to walk away from their job, who would it be? Probably my best friend, because he’s worked hard enough throughout his whole entire life.
Name: Mike Campbell
Occupation: Handyman
Residence: Buffalo
Should they take the money and would you? I think it would depend on my age. If I was younger and had the opportunity to find other employment, I would probably take the buyout.
What would you do with the money? Pay some bills.
If you could give $140,000 to one person to walk away from their job, who would it be? George W. Bush, because I think he’s probably the worst president we’ve ever had. $140,000 would be cheap to get rid of that man.
Name: Cathy Nunz
Occupation: County worker
Residence: Tonawanda
Should they take the money and would you? I probably would, yes. And should they? I would say yes.
What would you do with the money? Probably invest it towards retirement, I would think.
If you could give $140,000 to one person to walk away from their job, who would it be? That’s a hard one. Right at the moment I can’t think of anyone.
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