In a significant victory for the United Auto Workers (UAW), President Joe Biden attended a rally in Belvidere, Illinois, where a closed assembly plant is set to reopen in 2027. The plant was closed in February, leaving 1,200 hourly workers jobless or forced to relocate. The reopening, part of recent labor agreements with Stellantis, GM, and Ford, was a triumph for the UAW’s successful fight against plant closures.

Despite Illinois not being a major auto state, Belvidere became a focal point in the UAW’s battle against plant shutdowns. The closed plant is slated to build a new midsize pickup truck in 2027, and in the interim, it will manufacture batteries for electric vehicles and serve as a parts depot.

President Biden and UAW President Shawn Fain emphasized the unprecedented success of preventing the closure of Belvidere during recent negotiations. The UAW’s strategic strike approach, simultaneously targeting all three major automakers, contributed to the accomplishment. Record profits at automakers also played a crucial role, making it challenging for companies to resist union demands amid strong market demand.

The reopening of the Belvidere plant is notable, as it is relatively rare for closed auto plants to resume operations. The move signifies a departure from the traditional victory of merely preventing future closures, showcasing the UAW’s influence amid favorable economic conditions for the industry. 

Inspired by: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/10/business/biden-fain-belvidere-plant-reopening/index.html