Steven Holt: “I am pleased to join Mr. Ryan and Mr. Kucinich in calling attention to the personal stories and the national hardship…”

“I am pleased to join Mr. Ryan and Mr. Kucinich in calling attention to the personal stories and the national hardship that is created by these plans to strip workers of their pensions. Last December Representative Miller conducted an on-line hearing so that General Motors and Delphi employees would have an opportunity to send to Congress their words about the meaning of these plans to strip them of their pensions and benefits. And the response was powerful. Let me read from a few New Jersey constituents. Mr. Paluzzi from East Brunswick writes, ``I have worked for GM Delphi for 34 years. And during the hiring process I was given a package of benefits that I was entitled to. This included a pension package that the company said they would control and have for me upon my retirement. As I worked for the company, and union contracts were renegotiated, the pension package was still included. Now it seems, Delphi wants to take back the pensions and the contracts that were signed in good faith, while I and thousands like me, worked to make huge profits for the company. I felt my pension and benefits were secure all those years that I worked here.'' Mr. Lauder of Somerset New Jersey wrote, ``I have lived in the same area all my life except for the 4 years I served my country in the U.S. Navy on a military leave of absence from GM. I have worked at this facility for 32 years, starting at age 18. The hazards of these plants are well known.…”