To ease the sting, each Delphi worker would get $50,000.

The choices being forced on the Delphi workers are extreme, and the temptation for management to simply pack up and move overseas is powerful.

G.M. remains liable for pension and retirement health care benefits for Delphi workers who were at the automaker before the spinoff.

In addition, it agreed to take back 5,000 Delphi workers.

Such a move would increase the likelihood of a strike by Delphi workers and create more problems for General Motors, Delphi's largest customer.

Delphi workers have threatened to strike if the company, which has been operating under bankruptcy protection, imposes drastic wage and benefit cuts.

Such complaints may matter little in the courtroom, where the fate of Delphi workers will ultimately be decided.

G.M. is liable for the pension and health care benefits of Delphi workers who were at the company before it was spun off.

In addition, thousands of Delphi workers have the right to return to G.M., if there are jobs available.

On wages, most Delphi workers earn about $26 to $30 an hour, local union officials said.