HTN: Union Rally at Delphi

The United Auto Workers union is set to rally today at the Delphi Thermal Systems plant in Lockport, to protest the loss of hundreds of Western New York area manufacturing jobs. The "Save America" demonstration is being sponsored by UAW Region 9 and is scheduled to start at 3 this afternoon. Several speakers, including the mayors of many of the region's cities, will take the stage with the protestors.

HTN: Delphi gets Bankruptcy Extension

Delphi, which owns a plant in Lockport, has been thrown a financial lifeline in bankruptcy court. The company has been granted more time to submit a plan for restructuring. Had Judge Robert Drain not approved the move, Delphi's parent company might have had to liquidate its assets. Delphi now has until May 4th to reveal its restructuring plan to its lenders. The struggling company has been under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection since October of 2005.

HTN: Delphi Retirees Vow to Keep Fighting

Salaried retirees from Delphi Corp. will continue their legal fight despite a bankruptcy court judge's refusal to delay discontinuation of their healthcare benefits. Retirees, including former Lockport plant workers, are scheduled to lose coverage April 1st. The retirees asked the judge to delay his order up to 60 days so they have more time to get ready for the changes. The Troy, Michigan-based company has been under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection since October of 2005. Company officials say they need to eliminate retired salaried workers' healthcare and life insurance benefits before the company can make it through bankruptcy.

Delphi retirees, including those from the Lockport plant, will be represented in US Bankruptcy Court tomorrow in a challenge to the company's plans to scrap thir health and life insurance. Bill Stachowski, versed in retirement law as part of his duties on the State Senate Commerce Committee, says he'll be watching.

Hometown News: GM Make Take Over Delphi

GM is considering a takeback of its former parts subsidiary Delphi Corp., including its plant in Lockport. GM is worried that its own plants might have to be shut down if Delphi runs short of cash and can no longer supply parts.

Hometown News: Delphi Retirees May Lose Health Care

Delphi Automotive, which operates a plant in Lockport, has filed a motion in Bankruptcy Court to end its health insurance program for retired employees starting April 1st. Current employees will continue to receive those benefits until they retire, but current retirees are expressing shock and outrage today: