Reports say Delphi, GM 'very close' to UAW deal.

Byline: Thomas Gnau

Jun. 15--DAYTON -- A local United Auto Workers leader responded to the latest report of an impending Delphi Corp. settlement with a certain weariness.

The Detroit News said Thursday that Delphi and former owner General Motors Corp. are "very close" to reaching a deal with the UAW that might offer the auto parts producer a path out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Joe Buckley, president of UAW Local 696, which represents about 800 workers at Delphi's Needmore Road plant, said he has heard such reports for months.

"Then, hell, it (negotiations) goes on for another month," Buckley said. "It's nothing to get excited …