www.wdt.net/article/20080530/NEWS05/515015420/-1/news -
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Published on: 5/30/2008
Last Visited: 5/31/2008
From 225 to 230 employees have opted to accept retirement or a buyout option, said Tony J. Arquiett, United Auto Workers Local 465 president.
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"Our people are going to have to try to figure out what geographic area in the country or what plant is best for them," Mr. Arquiett said."Once a decision is made as to where you would like to go, there has to be a need for extra manpower at that plant."
Normally, such transfers are granted based on seniority, but employees at plants or facilities that are closing are given higher priority, Mr. Arquiett said.Such an advantage could be crucial as a weakened national economy is putting the auto industry under enormous pressure, he said.
"Obviously, as you're getting rid of people, there is less demand in the plants, but one advantage we have is because they are closing the plant, our employees are the first ones who they would try to relocate," he said.