Do auto workers earn $70 per hour?

No. But the embattled auto companies do have $70/hour labor costs.

The per-hour labor cost to the automakers is very different from "pay" or "wages" or even "wages and benefits" earned by their workers... the average GM, Ford and Chrysler worker receives compensation – wages, bonuses, overtime and paid time off – of about $40 an hour. Add in benefits such as health insurance and pensions and you get to about $55. Another $15 or so in benefits to retirees (known as "legacy costs") brings the number to roughly $70.