Judge upholds Delphi decision

NEWS YORK, N.Y. - A judge Wednesday upheld an order allowing Delphi Corporation to drop health and life insurance benefits for salaried retirees.

The decision was handed down in New York City bankruptcy court and affects present and future retirees, includinng several hundred who formerly worked for Delphi Thermal Systems in Lockport.

Judge Robert Drain set March 17 as the date to hear the employees association’s request for a stay of his order.

Bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain affirmed his earlier decision that allows Delphi to end the benefits of 15,000 salaried retirees and their spouses effective March 27 — although Beach said the actual ending of benefits may not happen until April 15.

Workers contend that Delphi’s former owner, General Motors, promised lifetime medical coverage to many of the workers.

More information on the decision here.