In a recent development, eighty Stellantis employees are facing job cuts, just months after an earlier vote promised to bring jobs back to Belvidere. The layoffs are scheduled to begin on Friday, February 23, and they will primarily impact Yanfang Automotive Interiors, as reported by UAW Local 1268.
Matt Frantzen, the president of UAW Local 1268, emphasized the eagerness of the affected workers to return to work after nearly a year of unemployment. However, Stellantis has issued a response, indicating that the information remains speculative, and discussions regarding the future of operations in Belvidere are ongoing.
The challenges for Stellantis employees in Belvidere began in December 2022, when the Belvidere Assembly plant ceased operations, resulting in over 1,000 job losses. Despite prolonged uncertainty, there was a glimmer of hope when UAW workers across the nation protested for improved compensation packages, capturing the attention of President Joe Biden.
Significantly, a vote endorsed a groundbreaking agreement to reopen the Belvidere plant, restoring nearly 2,000 jobs over the next few years, in addition to plans for a new fully electric vehicle and battery plant. Furthermore, the Belvidere community’s revival received an additional boost with the creation of 165 new jobs at a nearby distribution center.
However, the recent announcement of 80 job cuts at a distribution center represents a setback in the effort to restore stability for Stellantis employees. The local UAW President emphasized that workers might not return until the Belvidere Assembly Plant reopens—a potentially lengthy process.
For impacted employees, a local UAW chapter in Naperville is providing support.