The $71 average is total for salary and benefits - not just salary. A large portion of the $71 is the carrying cost of health insurance after retirment (the employee keeps the same plan as when working). In 2010 this expense will be transitioned to the Unions and the cost to the companies will drop by about $25 - putting the S&B on par with the foreign company auto workers.

This was outlined in the paper today - probably the Washington Post, but maybe the Wall Street Journal (sorry I can't remember which).