Ron: We're back. In trying to work out the bugs, we ran into additional issues that interfered with the Q&A process during the first session. Believing we have those issues worked out, we are now ready to proceed with the second phase of today's broadcast.

Grand Rapids, MI: Hi Ron, I would like to start out by saying that this online chat is a great idea and is one that I hope that can be kept up. I have two questions: 1. I am a recent Delphi retiree having taken the attrition program and having had checked the box I (along with others) had thought we were going to be in the GM retiree health care system right away. Well its December and we are still in the Delphi retiree health care system. When are we going to be placed in the GM health care system? And are the premiums/deductibles going to be retroactive to June 2006? Second question 2. With Delphi being behind over a billion dollars in pension payments over the last year how secure is our Delphi pension? In other words will our (Delphi) pension still be backed by GM if Delphi terminates the pension plan after October 2007?

Ron: Transferring thousands of Delphi retired workers to General Motors is a very complicated process for the corporation and the union. The UAW insisted this important transfer not be done until a process is in place to minimize any disruption in insurance coverage. GM and Delphi have assured us this will be completed on Jan. 1, 2007. The monthly contributions and deductibles will be effective on the date the insurance coverage is transferred.

Grand Haven, MI: Is there anything being done to bring back the people who signed the attrition letter to early because they were told they never would get called to another plant and when they asked the union they also agreed that because of low seniority they wouldn't be offered a job in another. This happened to me. Because of my handicapped sons medical needs I signed off to make sure we had insurance. Five days later I recieved a offer to go to plant in Pontiac only to be told I couldn't because I had signed off. They also made a mistake by offering me the job. We have also heard that more people took the buy out than expected so why can't you fight to get us back in? We have invested a good part of our life to our job.

Ron: Any member who was eligible to participate in the Special Attrition Program at GM or Delphi had 45 days to decide if they wanted to sign up for an option under the program. If a member signed up during the 45-day period, they had a seven-day period to rescind their option. If the member failed to withdraw their option during the 7-day window, their decision is irrevocable.

Bay City, MI: Hi Ron! Thanks for the opportunity to communicate with you. My question is about Delphi Flowbacks. As far as we're concerned, we became Delphi employees without our consent. Many of us flowed back to GM as soon as we could. However, we are still tied to Delphi by our pensions. We want our pensions to be GM Pensions, as they should be. Will there be any negotiation in the next contract to change Delphi Flowbacks Pensions to GM Pensions? Or must we submit a resolution to that effect?

Ron: At the time GM divested itself of Delphi an asset transfer was made from the GM Pension Plan to the Delphi Pension Plan. The liabilities "attached" to those assets, including credited service, were also transferred. Though the UAW was very vocal about our displeasure with this transfer of assets, neither the contract nor any regulations were violated.

As a result, the Benefit Guarantee was negotiated to protect workers who now have Delphi credited service. Vice President Cal Rapson and his staff continue discussions with GM and Delphi to facilitate the implementation of this Guarantee. As in the past, Vice President Rapson will keep the local leadership apprised of any developments in this area.

Dearborn, MI : If Ford is on the verge of bankruptcy, what would be worse for the members of the UAW....take a pay/benefit cut or have 100% of the membership unemployed if the company goes under????? The answer is pretty clear. We ALL need to step up and help the company...not just management and salaried employees but also the hourly employees as well.

Ron: Thank you for your inquiry. Ford is not on the verge of bankruptcy so this is a hypothetical question. Don't forget our union did an in-depth analysis of Ford's financial situation during negotiations last year over health care.

Detroit, Michigan: I just recieved the notice for the 2007 Special Convention in March. Here at Local 235 we have elected delegates who are retired. My question is, will they be allowed to attend the convention as delegates? Can you please clarify this issue for me. -UAW Local 235

Ron: Yes. Retirees in good standing who are elected Constitutional Convention delegates out of their current local union can attend the Special Convention on Collective Bargaining as seated delegates with proper membership approval.

Hapeville, Ga: Mr. President. I don have a question at this time however, I would like to wish you and family a joyous holiday season and much success in the new year local 882

Ron: Thank you very much and the best to you and your family. Happy holidays and a blessed New Year to you and your loved ones.

Warren, OH: It seems to me that GM is pitting the local unions against each other using the hope of getting a new product as bait to gain concessions. What is your opinion on this and how can this type of bargaining be avoided. I already relocated once and it seems the same thing is going on here. Sincerely, Concerned Union Member

Ron: Yesterday, UAW Vice President Cal Rapson held a meeting in Detroit with the UAW GM Presidents and Chairpersons. The topic you raise was discussed in depth at this meeting. Strategies were developed with the local leadership to address this issue on an ongoing basis.

Marshall, MI: How will the Ford buy-out affect the International staff. Will some staff take the offer and will you replace those that may leave?

Ron: Some of the eligible staff working for the International Union from various Ford locations will take the buyout. We only replace staff on an as needed basis. Vice President Bob King is in the process of reviewing the impact and he and I will have a discussion on replacements after the first of the year.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: When temporary employees working for GM are no longer deemed necessary, will they be given an option to transfer to another plant as a temporary, if they are willing to move?

Ron: Unfortunately, unless an employee has permanent seniority, they cannot apply for transfer between General Motors plants.

Mancelona, MI: Dear Brother Ron “UAW FORD RETIREE HEALTH CARE PROGRAM” In your negotiations with ford on this subject I believe you came to an agreement that ford would invest $900 million in new investments and the UAW would participate in that venture. You talked about the building of fuel cell, hybrid, drive trains and other high-technology vehicles in the U.S. Has any of this happened? If so…what and how much has been invested? In solidarity, Retiree Local 849

Ron: Vice President Bob King and I are continuing to have discussions with Ford on their commitment. This is a very important issue to our union membership and we intend to follow through with positive results.

Detroit, MI: It was great news to hear that the UAW recently organized 40,000 child care providers here in Michigan. We welcome these workers into our union.

Ron: Thanks! We are very excited that Child Care Providers Together Michigan, a joint effort of the UAW and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is now a reality for home-based child care providers. These child care providers are professionals, and they will now have our unions on their side.

As our Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth Bunn stated, the UAW and AFSCME will consider securing better wages, improved health care benefits, and establishing training programs to be top priorities. Paul Booth, AFSCME executive assistant to the president, said we are forging a means to solve these challenges.

The January-February 2007 issue of Solidarity Magazine will feature a close, up-and-personal look at what some of these 40,000 home based child care providers do on a daily basis. It is heartwarming to see the sacrifices these professionals make to provide care and education to children.

I want to personally congratulate our secretary-treasurer and her staff as well as the staff of AFSCME for their involvement in assisting these workers on the path to achieving equity and justice.

Our secretary-treasurer and Vice President Jimmy Settles will work together with AFSCME in negotiating the first agreement.

Congratulations to our new members at CCPTM!

mancelona, MI: Dear Brother Ron, I understand that the new “Health Care” program for the Ford Retirees is to remain in place until at least September 14, 2011.

Ron: You are correct. It is our intention to insure that the VEBA is well-funded beyond that date.

Mich: i am a Chrysler employee and want to know if we could get buyouts like Ford ,G.M, American Axle.I feel that we are left out in the cold -Thanks Ron

Ron: There have been several buyouts offered at various DaimlerChrysler locations in the past three to four years. Obviously, a different procedure was used at DCX than was utilized at GM and Ford, which has brought more attention to the buyouts at GM and Ford.

Kokomo, Indiana: What is your opinion on the new JV between chrysler and Getrag coming here to KoKomo in O9'

Ron: I think Vice President General Holiefield and Region 3 Director Mo Davison did an outstanding job in bringing this about.

Marshall, MI: I work for the Eaton Corp. I first hired in the Marshall, MI facility until they closed the plant and moved to Mexico. I got rehired at the Jackson, MI facility and they have just anounced this plant will also be closing. Both plants organized with the UAW. A plant in Saginaw is going to close also which belongs to another union. This company has destroyed many lives. Governor Graholm has made a tremendous effort to try to save the plants but in the end nothing changed. This company has thumbed their noses at the union and our government. Is there anything we can do to put more pressure on corporations such as Eaton's to reverse this trend?

Ron: This is a typical example of why Congress and the administration must address the unfair free trade agreements that exist.

We need to continue to let our elected reps. know that the jobs leaving our country are having a monumental impact on families and communities. We must insist that the current trade agreements be revisited and made fair for workers in all countries.

Royal Oak, Michigan: Mr. Gettelfinger, Thank you very much for the Christmas Bonus, I worked in warranty Claims and was a member ofLocal 889, I've been retired 8 Years and it still great to get bonus. Thanks again.

Ron: Happy holidays. So our readers understand, this was not a personal gift from me, but a result of collective bargaining. This is a great example of what unions can do for active and retired members.

pittsburgh pennsylvania: I work for the GM Pittsburgh plant. My question is: Is anyone paying attention to what is going on down here? We have been told that we will cease production. Some of our production people are being passed over for transfer, our senority has been violated by the placement center placing those with less time in jobs that we apply for (ex. recently 4 people from Detroit Hamtramck with 2 and 4 years seniority) transferred to Mansfield ahead of our people with seven years and more seniority. Our skilled trades receive offers and are told that they cannot transfer because there is no one to replace them and we have been told that the corporation is now fighting closed plant status to assist us in placement. Doraville Ga. was scheduled to close after us and have been in closed status. Of course no one wants the plant to close, this is our home but closed status for purpose of transfer would help our people who feel that they must move to continue working for General Motors the ability to do so. There need to be checks and balances set up in order to watch this placement center to ensure that seniority is not being violated. We are not even getting accurate information as to which plants are in hiring status. What is going on? Are we closing or are we just second class citizens. We need answers. People's lives are being affected here.

Ron: There are checks and balances in place to monitor transfers. If you have a specific question or concern about transfers please contact your local union representative who in turn will contact our staff and we will get you an answer.

Kokomo, Indiana: Hi Ron, What is your opinion on Joint Ventures in our automotive industry??

Ron: I would need to know the details of the situation before forming an opinion on a particular joint venture.

waterford michigan: are more buyout offers for gm hourly employees scheduled

Ron: Vice President Cal Rapson reported yesterday at the President and Chairpersons meeting that there are no ongoing discussions with GM on buyout offers.

elyria,ohio: hi bro. Ron, the political climate towards unions in general and the UAW in particular has been terrible for many years now. how do you see that changing?

Ron: Those who are out to destroy unions are representing the interests of corporations, not workers. More and more workers are discovering that the anti-union rhetoric is a tool to keep them from having a voice in the workplace.

The opportunity to level this playing field will begin in the next session of Congress as we push passage of the Employee Free Choice Act.

North Tonawanda: Ron, Good Day, let me ask how will Delphi make up over 10 billion for our retirement, money they are short how long will we be able to collect??? How safe is are retirement going to be?????

Ron: We do not believe Delphi will make up the pension plan shortfall. That is one of the reasons VP Rapson and his staff continue to discuss the implementation of the Benefit Guarantee with GM and Delphi.

Troy MI: We would like to see the UAW organize other DaimlerChrysler Financial Services employees. Thank You, Troy Customer Contact Center

Ron: Well let's work together on this. Please contact our Organizing Department, via our Web site: http://www.uaw.org/organize/org_contact.cfm, or by calling 1-800-243-8829, and someone will be happy to talk with you. Thanks.

Monroe, Louisiana: Dear Sir, Many retirees here have an all Guide Corporation pension or a part GM and part Guide pension. For example, I retired from a GM plant but five of my years are covered by a check from Guide. Is GM going to take the Guide Pension plan over ? Thanks for your reply.

Ron: Vice Presidents Jimmy Settles and Cal Rapson and their staffs are in ongoing discussions with General Motors and Guide Corp. concerning this and other issues. As in the past the local union leadership at the two Guide locations will be kept abreast of any progress made in these discussions.

flatrock , michigan : RON, the remaining workers at ford who are not taking the buyouts are nervous about our future . With half of the company retiring ,will this be a mass movement of the remaining employees to centralize them and shut plants and how do you see our prospects for the future as a company and a union

Ron: Keep up the good qaulity work at the home of the Mustang. Ford will survive downturn.

Our union has a great future as there is always a need for workers to have representation.

Mt Morris: Mr Gettlefinger, What is the future of the new hire employee's at Delphi plants, that may be sold or closed? Will they be given consideration (flowbacks or transfer possibilities) like their fellow brothers and sisters before us? Or are they stuck with what's given to them? Thank you for your time

Ron: Under the current agreement between Delphi and the UAW there is language for the continuation of the provisions of the Agreement with any successor company. Similarly, the treatment of workers, including transfer possibilities impacted by a plant closing will be subject to discussions at that time.

Vice President Rapson and his staff will make every effort to protect all of our members if a plant is sold or closed.

Twinsburg,Ohio: During negotiations for the up comming uaw contracts, will you be pushing for job security? because with 20 years senority i will need it to get 30 years to retire.

Ron: Job security is definitely an issue that we will be discussing in negotiations. In the meantime, our members can add to their job security by working in a safe manner and building quality products in a productive manner.

Youngtown oiho: I worked for GM almost 40 years and the only thing would like is that you will keep us retirees in mind at the next comtract. THANK YOU

Ron: Thank you. Retirees are very important to our union and we very much appreciate all of your past contributions to our union and your ongoing support.

Jackson, MI: I know it is still early but what is your opinion on the 2008 Presidential race? Hillary? Obama?

Ron: You're right - it's too early to make a decision until we know who all of the candidates are. But it is going to be an interesting election in 08. There will be some great candidates to choose from.

FLINT, MI: DEAR RON ARE WE GOING TO RECIEVE THE $800.00 DOLARS IN LIEU OF A PAY RAISE OR IS THAT FOR RETIREES ONLY. IF IT IS TRUE WHEN CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE IT. GM to pay bonus • General Motors Corp. will pay union workers and retirees an $800 bonus next month, UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said Tuesday. Word of the payout came during an online chat Gettelfinger conducted via the UAW Web site. A GM retiree asked if a bonus would be paid. "Yes, $800," Gettelfinger said. GM spokesman Dan Flores said the UAW agreed to a bonus in lieu of an increase in workers' base pay during contract negotiations in 2003.

Ron: This was corrected on our web site. See my note at the top of the Nov. 21 transcript.

Fairborn.OH: I work at the Needmore Rd.Plant and was wondering what is going to happen here. I assume we are one that will close. I have 20 years in and it is ashame. I also have in for the Sharonville Plant because I don't want to move. I just hope I hear from them.

Ron: At this time it is premature to predict the future for any Delphi plant location. I understand the difficulties workers experience in transfering to a location that requires a move, but I encourage workers at Delphi who want to flowback to GM to expand their selections through the National Employee Placement Center.

Green Bay, Wisconsin: President Gettelfinger, thanks for your leadership during these difficult time for all who work in manufacturing, in particular UAW members. In February at the UAW National CAP conference in Washington DC there was a resolution for the "Marshall Plan for the Auto Industry" that would utilize excess capacity of Auto Plants for infrastructure projects throughout the nation. My Question is, has our Union got behind this concept to not only save manufacturing in the USA, but also provide for the needed infrastructure improvements across the country? If so how can our area CAP/PAC counsel be actively involved to see this plan implemented?

Ron: Our union is continuing to push the Marshall Plan. In January of this year, at the Automotive News World Congress, I elaborated on this plan, and also in a speech given before the Detroit Economic Club in September. While I didn't use the term "Marshall Plan" in either of these speeches, the concept of advanced technology vehicles and supporting infrastructure is discussed.

Our legislative staff in Washington continue to have discussions along these lines with various members of Congress.

saginaw,MI: I would like to know why 2000,seinority flowbacks to gm from delphi lost almost 7yrs. time. When people with one day of 99 seinority while being at delphi after the spinoff kept all their time, which is not fair. since gm is still the parent co. of delphi untill the end of the current contract. We the 00' seinority worked and earned all our time only to lose it because of this bankruptcy. WE have worked under the last 2 contracts with gm and should be given our full seinority back.

Ron: Under the provisions of the 2003 UAW/Delphi/GM National Agreement flowback provision, members who were hired at Delphi on or before Oct. 18, 1999, are eligible to flowback to GM with full seniority.

The UAW was successful in negotiating transfer rights to GM for Delphi members who are not covered by the flowback agreement up to Oct. 8, 2005. However, any members who transfer under this agreement are required to establish a new seniority date at GM.

Jacksonville, FL: RON, You answered my earlier question about healthcare in FL stating there is no HMO. BS/BC of FL offers group policies that are similar to HMO where there is a small co-pay for each visit. They told me that GM has to select that type of policy. Also the benefits center said that if I move back to NY , I could not get an HMO and would have to keep my existing type of policy . This type of policy deters preventive medicine and will cost the insurer and GM more in the long run because of illness that is not caught in early stages. Can you help by looking into a better policy? Why am I stuck in this predicament? Thanks, Mike

Ron: Your coverage through the Traditional Care Network option of the GM health care program is not a Blue Cross/Blue Shield policy. GM is self-insured for this coverage and in Florida BC/BS administers the coverage. The particular items covered are subject to negotiations and will again be discussed during bargaining next year.

In 2003 bargaining, coverage for several preventative screening procedures were added to the TCN option when the procedures are obtained through a TCN provider. In addition, although the payment for office visits remains the responsibility of the patient, the union did obtain discounted fees at TCN providers.

LIMA, Ohio: THERE ARE OTHER COMPANIES OTHER THAN THE BIG #3

Ron: You're right, and we are trying as best we can to address the questions that come before us. If you have a specific question that is general in nature, you should send it in.

Ron: I want to thank all of you for your participation in this Q&A session. Once again, we received far more questions than I can answer. However, your points are well taken and will assist us as we go forward.

On behalf of the International Executive Board, our staff and clerical, I want to extend our very best wishes to you and your families for an enjoyable holiday season and a safe, healthy and happy New Year.