IUE-CWA Auto Retirees to Get Belated Xmas Bonus

DAYTON – General Motors has finally agreed to pay IUE-CWA retirees their Christmas bonus despite the fact that the Division has not yet inked a new contract with the automaker.  The decision comes after a great deal of pressure from the union and its retirees, who rely on the payment to help cover holiday expenses.

"We are pleased the GM has recognized the hardship the delay in this payment has placed on our retirees," said IUE-CWA President Jim Clark.  "We have serious obstacles in reaching terms for our active employees, but retirees should not be held hostage to that process."

Payments will be made on or around March 17 to eligible IUE-CWA retirees.  This includes both traditional IUE-CWA GM retirees and eligible IUE-CWA Delphi "covered employees" who retired after January 1, 2000.  That covers, for example, those from Delphi who "checked the box" to be covered by GM and Delphi retirees who were extended GM coverage as part of the bankruptcy contract settlement.

Payments will be $700 for eligible retirees.  Eligible IUE-CWA surviving spouses will receive 65 percent of that amount, or $455.00.  The bonus will be cut in half for any eligible retiree with an outstanding disability overpayment.  Payments to eligible retirees or surviving spouses retired from Delphi will be pro-rated based on the ratio of GM credited service.

"This agreement goes a long way to demonstrating good faith for both parties," said Automotive Conference Board Chairman Willie Thorpe.  "We can now focus on securing both a contract and a long-term future for our members at Moraine."