Abstract

The Delphi Oracle

The article presents an editorial regarding the impact of the decision by automobile supplier company Delphi Corp. to seek bankruptcy protection. General Motors sought to open its contract with the United Auto Workers for concessions. These events could ruin industrial relations and damage middle class workers in the United States. Businesses in the U.S. have run on a private benefit system. The actions of Delphi and General Motors will take away benefits without supplying an alternative that satisfies the health and retirement needs of workers. Delphi is now being run by CEO Steve Miller, who proposes dropping average wages from $27 to $10 an hour. The editor suggests replacing the private welfare system with a national health insurance and more generous Social Security retirement benefits.