State Senators Cafaro and Schiavoni Testify on Behalf of Delphi Retirees

COLUMBUS – State Senators Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard) and Joe Schiavoni (D-Canfield) delivered sponsor testimony yesterday on a resolution (SCR 23) calling on the Federal Government to treat all General Motors-Delphi retirees fairly and equitably.

“Senator Schiavoni and I have spent countless hours advocating for the local employees of the Delphi Corporation,” said Senator Cafaro. “The massive job loss that has occurred since Delphi first declared bankruptcy in 2005 has devastated our districts. Our constituents have had to endure mass layoffs, pay cuts, and questionable unbalanced buyouts. I cannot fully accentuate how damaging the additional loss of their post-employment benefits will be on the Mahoning Valley.”

As a result of bankruptcy proceedings, all Delphi Corporation pension funds were transferred to the Federal Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation. General Motors has agreed to fulfill pension obligations for Delphi hourly retirees represented by the United Auto Worker, IUE-CWA and the United Steel Workers. However, a similar agreement has not been reached for Delphi salaried retirees or hourly retirees represented by other unions. In addition, many Delphi retirees have seen their health care benefits reduced or eliminated.

“Ohio should, at minimum, push this resolution through to urge the Federal Government to help these individuals,” said Senator Schiavoni. “I will work hard to get this through the Senate as soon as possible. These dedicated workers are entitled to the fair benefits they deserve.”

The resolution has bipartisan support in the Ohio Senate where six Democrats have been joined by two Republicans in co-sponsoring the bill.