Bill Foster
09/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/26/2024 13:26
Foster Speaks on House Floor in Support of UAW Workers in Belvidere, Calls on Stellantis to Honor Agreement to Reopen Assembly Plant
Washington, DC - Yesterday, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) took to the House Floor in support of UAW workers in Belvidere, Illinois who are awaiting action by Stellantis to reopen the Belvidere Assembly Plant and move forward on investments agreed upon in the contract negotiated between the UAW and Stellantis in late 2023.
Video of Congressman Foster's remarks is available here.
Congressman Foster said,
"One year ago, UAW members across the country went on strike and won a historic victory by securing agreements with the Big Three auto manufacturers. That included an agreement with Stellantis to retool and reopen the Chrysler Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois.
"Thanks to the solidarity of UAW members across the country, Stellantis agreed to not only reopen the Belvidere plant, but to also build a brand-new battery manufacturing facility and an automobile parts distribution center. "That agreement was made possible by strong federal and state incentives put in place to secure a bright economic future for places like Belvidere. "Now, nearly a year later, Stellantis has yet to follow through on the commitments they made-leaving hundreds of workers in limbo and delaying the promised investments."One cannot but wonder if they are waiting until after the election to see if Trump's Project 2025 would destroy those investments-and with it, the future of Belvidere. "So, I rise today to reiterate my support for the UAW workers who fought hard to secure this contract, and I call on Stellantis to honor the agreement they made-so that hundreds of workers can get back on the job and we can ensure the plant remains the beating heart of this community for decades to come."Congressman Foster represents Belvidere as part of the 11th Congressional District of Illinois.
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