There may be more phases of SAP retirements than the three initially mentioned. And the first only allows up to 2% of a plant's workforce to retire.
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT)- How long until retirement? That's what many Mid-Michigan autoworkers are still wondering.
This after the long awaited buyouts for retiring GM workers, called the Special Attrition Plan, was revealed last week.
Flint's senior GM workers have been waiting patiently after filling out a retirement survey in January.
On Wednesday, the UAW revealed the first phase, in which a 2% maximum of a plant's workforce would be able to retire.
"Approximately 900 UAW members across all of GM will be eligible to retire immediately," said Vice President Mike Booth in a video to members.
In Flint, some workers have told ABC12 phase 1 will include 70-some workers and trades in total.
While that sounds like a small number, it's just the first wave.
"It is not possible for thousands of workers to retire all at once," said Booth, reiterating what Region 1-D Director Steve Dawes told ABC12 in January.
However, at that time, the UAW said there would be three phases.
It now seems that the plan has been adjusted.
"The company has agreed that we will have as many phases as we need," Booth said in the video.
He also explained that these will be prioritized by seniority.
And the Detroit Free Press has learned enrollment will run from March 23rd through May 6th.
But the 2% cap may mean that someone at a smaller plant with less seniority may get to retire sooner than someone who's been working longer at a larger plant.
No word yet on how many phases will be rolled out before the end of the contract in 2028.
ABC12 also reached out to General Motors for specifics about the program and how many workers could retire from Flint Assembly.
They provided a statement saying they are "working to fully carry out the commitments made under the national agreement."
