Many GM workers could take buyouts

DEARBORN, Mich. -- About a quarter of General Motors Corp.'s hourly work force represented by the United Auto Workers could leave the company under a new round of buyout and early retirement offers, the UAW president said Thursday. President Ron Gettelfinger estimated 15,000 to 20,000 workers could take the packages but said they all must be replaced under terms of the UAW contract deal reached with the company last year.