SEVERAL HUNDRED UNION WORKERS AT A MARION VIRGINIA AUTO PARTS PLANT HAVE GONE ON STRIKE OVER A RECENT BENEFITS PACKAGE OFFERED BY THE COMPANY. THE UNITED AUTO WORKERS UNION LOCAL 2850 DECIDED THE ACTION AGAINST GENERAL DYNAMICS AFTER THE COMPANY PLANNED TO LAYOFF SENIOR WORKERS, DOUBLE HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS AND CUT THE PENSIONS OF NEW HIRES. UNION MEMBERS SAID ALL THEY WANT IS A FAIR AND EQUITABLE CONTRACT TO STAY AFLOAT. THE COMPANY ISSUED A STATEMENT SAYING 350 EMPLOYEES ARE ON STRIKE WHILE OVER 175 ARE NOT. THE STATEMENT SAID THE SITE REMAINS OPEN FOR BUSINESS AND WILL CONTINUE TO MEET CUSTOMER NEEDS.