Thousands of local General Motors workers will soon be getting $4,000 bonus checks.
It's because General Motors had a profitable 2010, and it's distributing more than $189-million to its nearly 50,000 U.S. hourly employees.
The performance checks give hourly workers $3,000 to $4,000 based on their pay tier.
Most salaried workers will receive 4% to 16%.
The company says less than 1% will receive a 50% bonus.
That's music to the ears of workers at the Capital Coney across the street from several GM factories in Flint.
It's customers are 50% GM workers and they say they tip well.
Waitress Tonya Kannai says, "It would be great. It would put money in our pocket also."
"I hope it shows America we're turning it around. We're working together. Obviously, we're heading in the right direction and this is another good news item for our folks," says Dana Rouse, UAW Local 598 Shop Chairman.
Dr. Tim Nash, a finance professor at Northwood University in Midland says, "Certainly, General Motors has had a wonderful turnaround. Much of it is due to the bankruptcy and the fact that they were able to reduce well over $70-billion in debt."
Dr. Nash says there's debate as to who should be getting the bonus checks.
"They (GM) owe a substantial amount back to the government and bond holders that will never be paid back."
The company says the checks are to reward performance and keep workers where they are.
Meanwhile, at Flint's Truck Assembly plant, there's talk about the possibility of added product.
"There's going to be continued success stories here in Flint," says Rouse.
Union leadership says it won't be satisfied until all the available space is occupied in the plants and that there could be an announcement soon.
Hourly workers say their profit-sharing checks will be in their March 25th paycheck. Taxes will be deducted from it.
