Union to lose experience in layoffs

DETROIT, May 28 (UPI) -- The United Auto Workers is planning for the retirement of more than 30,000 members from Detroit automakers and the loss of dues and leadership.

General Motors and Delphi are planning to close dozens of U.S. plants. Delphi said in March it aims to close 25 of its 33 U.S. plants and cut 23,000 jobs.

New union leaders will have to cope with downsizings and reduced wages and benefits for its membership, the Detroit Free Press reported.

"Some may not have the stomach to sell the new situation to the rank and file," said Douglas Duchek, a labor lawyer with Duchek Buckley in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Local leaders are responsible for explaining benefits, handling finances, and overseeing health, safety and general welfare inside the auto plants.

But Van Conway, president of the restructuring firm Conway MacKenzie & Dunleavy, sees the situation differently.

"You could almost view this as an opportunity where fresh blood -- somebody that isn't married to history -- may bring a new idea, and maybe even some new enthusiasm, to the rank and file," he said.