Delphi Tries Compassion
Delphi has taken a few punches since filing for bankruptcy. Its seemingly excessive bonus plans for key employees angered union members and became fodder for media criticism. Seems that Delphi CEO Robert "Steve" Miller, who has known for being bluntly outspoken about the financial issues facing Delphi, is trying to demonstrate a little compassion for employees. This article in USA Today describes his recent statements . Specifically,
"Workers have built their lives around their high wages, and Delphi is working with its biggest customer and former parent, General Motors, to find a reasonable way to bring Delphi's labor costs in line while maintaining workers' standard of living....Behind all this financial drama are the lives and livelihoods of thousands of Delphi workers. They played by the rules and cannot be blamed for taking a high-paying job. ... They are at risk of being severely impacted and disappointed. I don't blame them for being angry."
Moral of the story - sometimes honey works better than vinegar. A bit of compassion can go a long way in trying to get employees and other stakeholders on board with what is seemingly a daunting initiative.