By KRIS MAHER

WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. — As domestic auto makers consolidate operations with or without a government bailout, the closing of an aging General Motors Corp. metal-stamping plant here shows how blue- and white-collar workers have been treated differently, with the former faring slightly better.

Earlier this year, United Auto Workers union members at the suburban Pittsburgh plant had the option of taking early retirement, a buyout or transferring to another plant. Those who didn’t take one of the choices now face a layoff.

Under the union contract, laid-off hourly workers receive pay from GM to supplement unemployment insurance that brings their income to 72% of their gross pay. After 48 months, workers can enter a “jobs bank” and receive 85% of their gross pay, until another GM job opens up.

Salaried workers at the plant, meanwhile, had the option to transfer or take early retirement, but weren’t offered a buyout if they weren’t yet eligible to retire. A handful of salaried workers will lose their jobs when the plant closes this Friday and receive a severance package.

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