GM Retirees Association holds informational meeting

By Rebecca Trylch, WJRT-TV - May 18, 2009

BAY COUNTY, MICHIGAN--As General Motors Corp. struggles to stay out of bankruptcy, a group of salaried retirees is gearing up for what could be a long fight to protect their pensions and benefits. The newly formed GM Retirees Association held a meeting Monday morning in Bay County. Close to 150 salaried retirees and their spouses attended the informational meeting. Many of them worked at Bay City Powertrain for decades; others spent time at what's now called Saginaw Metal Castings.

They joined up at the Hampton Township Hall, trying to figure out what will happen to them if GM files for bankruptcy. On hand were several GM Retirees Association officials, as well as a communication manager for GM. All took turns speaking and answering questions from retirees. The No. 1 concern was what will happen to their pensions and health care benefits if GM goes bankrupt. The short answer is that no one knows.

That's why the new association was formed a couple months ago. It's supposed to be a source for information, and an entity that will represent salaried retirees if there's a legal battle over pensions and benefits. In the meantime, local officials are urging retired workers to stay informed, and hope for the best. Click here to view a video clip on the TV news report that includes an interview with Wayne Williams, Treasurer of the General Motors Retirees Association.