White-collar Chrysler retiree group looks to protect benefits

[Bozita]

Source: The Detroit News

Thursday, July 17, 2008
White-collar Chrysler retiree group looks to protect benefits
Eric Morath / The Detroit News

AUBURN HILLS -- A standing-room-only crowd of 150 Chrysler LLC white-collar retirees packed a meeting Wednesday to discuss how they can protect their remaining benefits in the wake of life insurance cuts last month by the automaker and a day after rival General Motors Corp. slashed health insurance for its former workers.

Nearly three times as many retirees attended the first meeting of the National Chrysler Retirement Organization at the Hilton Suites Auburn Hills as organizers expected. The group was formed last month after Chrysler eliminated life insurance as part of a larger company-wide cost-cutting plan.

The retirees fumed about the loss of life insurance and about Chrysler's decision in 2007 to eliminate company-provided health care for those 65 and older.

They also expressed concerns about Chrysler's uncertain future, fearful that another sale or bankruptcy could jeopardize their pensions and other benefits. The group hopes organizing and speaking with a unified voice to Chrysler executives will help ward off any future benefit cuts.

Read more: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080717/AUTO01/807170400&imw=Y

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IIRC, the UAW had tried unsuccessfully to organize Chrysler's white-collar workforce.

[Auggie]

1. I wish them luck

The courts sided with GM when retirees tried to protect their benefits many years back

[antigop]

2. Their best bet, imo, is to go to the next shareholder meeting and picket outside

Hold a press conference, invite the media.

[hadrons]

3. I wonder how many of the voted Republican the last 10 or so years ....

PS: I know it isn't all

[llmart]

4. I'll bet it was a pretty large percentage though.....

I don't think I've ever worked anywhere where I was guaranteed life insurance and health insurance after 65. I always assumed that I would just go on Medicare and have to buy a stopgap policy for the rest.