GM plans to employ 1,330 workers at a plant, all of whom will make 2nd-tier wages. The move comes after a deal with the United Auto Workers to help the plant remain competitive in producing small cars. Workers who make 1st-tier wages will either be offered transfers to other plants or will take a pay cut. Workers were angered by the deal, and protested outside of United Auto Workers headquarters this weekend. The 2nd-tier workers will be phased in to the plant, with around 40% starting off. The union says that the deal is not set in stone and they will negotiate in the future.
See "GM's goal: All 2nd-tier pay for workers at Orion plant", Chrissie Thompson, Detroit Free Press, October 17, 2010