P.M. BRIEFING : Japanese Offer More War Pay

The three largest Japanese auto makers are offering longer-term supplemental compensation for U.S. workers called up for military service than are the Big Three auto makers.

Big Three officials said 367 employees have been activated. They pledged to make up the difference between military pay and regular pay for their activated employees for 30 days.

Honda spokesman Jeff Leestma said his company will make up the difference indefinitely for its 17 activated workers. Nissan spokesman Jim Gill said supplemental pay will be in effect for 180 days for its 12 activated employees. Toyota marketing has four workers on active duty, and they will receive supplemental pay for a year.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing has 12 activated employees who will receive supplemental pay for a month, but that benefit is likely to be extended to six months.