Debbie Guzman, who machines engine cylinder heads, took a beauty-shop job when Chrysler laid her off from 1988 to 1997. I need the overtime. Losing overtime hurts. The workers' plight this time is also eased by simple demographics the average age is about 50. Few have been hired since the 1980's, as the market share of General Motors, Ford and Chrysler has fallen, and as robots have replaced retirees.
Many workers are thus well along in preparing for retirement.
Since workers here tend to start families young, many have also finished paying for their children's college education, often helped by generous U.A.W.-negotiated tuition subsidies. Although Chrysler began its layoffs in February, most of those dismissed are in excellent financial shape, and the credit union has had to make only one loan so far. Many workers, scarred by past layoffs, have been squirreling money away. John Drew, president of the local U.A.W. chapter, acknowledged that many workers were skeptical when told of the benefits now available, because they remember how bad it was last time. In 1988, Chrysler had set aside little money for supplemental payments.