| TRAFICANT, James A., Jr., |
Monday, October 26, 1998
Youngstown, Ohio – U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant, Jr. (D–OH) today expressed his strong support for the effort by the General Motors assembly plant in Lordstown to secure production of GM's new Delta line. "The commitment to retaining production at the Lordstown assembly plant is paramount for the current employees, the United Auto Workers union and the State of Ohio," said Traficant in letters sent today to John F. Smith, Jr., GM's Chief Executive Officer, and G. Richard Wagoner, Jr., chairman of GM's North American Operations.
"The Lordstown plant has had an enormous impact on the economic growth of the Mahoning Valley," observed Traficant. "With the decline of steel manufacturing in the area, the GM plant has been a stabilizing force. Since 1966, the facility has improved the lives those who work and live in the community."
Traficant noted that early contract talks between GM and the UAW have made significant progress toward making the plant more competitive, including a buyout proposal to reduce the labor force. Traficant further noted that the State of Ohio recently announced a $1 million training grant for the employees to update their skills. "These positive steps display a solid commitment to investment by those with a stake in the Valley," added Traficant.
Traficant informed the GM officials that he is prepared to assist GM in any way possible should the Delta line be awarded to the Lordstown assembly plant. Traficant concluded his letter by emphasizing how important the Delta project is to the future of the Lordstown plant and the local community. Traficant characterized the award of the Delta project to Lordstown as "vital to the economic prosperity of the Mahoning Valley."