On the subject of who "made out" in the Chrysler and GM bankruptcies, I saw a piece on CNN this morning where they were interviewing employees who will be out of work at the GM Janesville, WI plant. Right at the end of the piece, the interviewer said, "Before you feel too bad for the UAW workers who will lose their jobs, understand that they will get full pay for the first year after their plant is closed and 50% pay for the second year."

That's a far more generous package than almost any that I can think of or have heard of other than those CEO golden parachutes.

Forgive me if I have trouble feeling sorry for all the "tremendous sacrifices" Ron Gettlefinger says were given by the UAW. From everything I've read, the UAW has thrown any yet-to-be hired emplyees under the bus as far a pay rates and benefits ae concerned. But the 60,000 or so remaining employees and the 375,000 retirees haven't been hurt at all. Of course, both Chrysler or GM will have to get profitable in a hurry if that stock that was contributed to the VEBA will actually provide for money to pay the retiree health benefits. But even if it doesn't, the UAW can always appeal to the government for more money or negotiate for more cash from the "new" Chrysler and GM.