National Press Release

DAYTON, Ohio, July 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by IUE-CWA President Jim Clark on GM's emergence from bankruptcy:

"It is a sad day in America when a formerly bluechip company joins hands with the government to rob those who built the company of the health care that was promised to them.

"IUE-CWA is committed to right this injustice and will pursue every avenue available to us. Today we are appealing the bankruptcy court decision. We believe the bankruptcy code has been violated.

"In spite of the court granting the 363 sale to Treasury, GM must still follow the Section 1114 process before it can modify or terminate any of our retirees' benefits. Today, tomorrow and until further notice, our retirees should see no change in their coverage. If they do, they should contact the union and report it immediately.

"But, this is now - and probably always was - a political fight. Yesterday IUE-CWA GM retirees picketed Vice President Joe Biden in Cincinnati. The ads that we ran in Ohio papers - and will expand to national papers next week - have resulted in the White House being deluged with calls and emails.

"Our message is simple: Spending taxpayer dollars to favor one group over another while stripping 50,000 retirees of their health care is not the change we voted for last November. The White House must direct the U.S. Treasury to reach a fair and equitable solution."

SOURCE IUE-CWA