(The Center Square) – Around 1,200 workers idled at Stallantis’ Belvidere plant would get back to work with plans for more investment as part of a tentative agreement the striking union announced.
After 44 days of strikes across the country involving thousands of workers, United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain announced a tentative deal, saying it is historic.
“We are re-opening Belvidere. We are saving Trenton Engine and Toledo Machining,” Fain said in a video message. “With this agreement, we are proving them all wrong. We are bringing back both combustion vehicle and battery jobs to Belvedere.”
Among the details outlined by UAW Vice President Rich Boyer, if ratified, around 1,200 workers idled 8 months ago at the Belvidere plant will get temporary layoff benefits as things come back online.
“Meaning they’ll get sub pay and healthcare until their job is back in Belvidere,” Boyer said. “Under our contract, members from Belvidere who have been scattered across the country will have the right to return to Belvidere.”
In addition to the restarting of the idled plant, Boyer said the tentative agreement has more investment from Stallantis.
“We have won a new vehicle at Belvidere. It will be a mid-size truck and will have two shifts,” Boyer announced. “In addition to the vehicle commitment, Stellantis will also be adding over a thousand jobs at a new battery plant in Belvidere.”
The deal will bring about an additional 5,000 jobs and almost $19 billion in investments nationwide, the union said. Other details include a 25% wage increase over the course of the agreement. Some employees would get a 76% raise upon the deal being ratified. Some temporary workers will get a 168% increase. And, no one will be a temp after 9 months after ratification.
A UAW leader council vote is expected Thursday, Nov. 2. That evening, the detailed deal will be streamed online through the uniton’s social media. Members will then get more information from their local unions with a vote expected in the weeks ahead.
Stallantis didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
