With the goal of revitalizing the automotive industry and boosting the economy, President Joe Biden and Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) on Thursday to celebrate the upcoming reopening of the Stellantis vehicle-assembly plant in Belvidere. The move comes as a result of the UAW's targeted strike against the Detroit Big Three automakers.

Under the deal between Stellantis and the UAW, the Belvidere plant will be reopened, generating thousands of job opportunities. In addition to this, Toyota, a nonunion company, has agreed to wage hikes, influenced by the UAW agreements. This development is seen as a significant milestone, with Biden emphasizing the positive impact this will have on all workers in America.

Addressing the crowd at the Belvidere community center, President Biden expressed his enthusiasm for the historic gains achieved through the UAW's strike tactics. He urged the audience to recognize the long-lasting economic implications of these agreements, which have the potential to reshape the country's industrial landscape.

In attendance were Gov. J.B. Pritzker, UAW President Shawn Fain, and Matt Frantzen, president of UAW Local 1268 at the Belvidere plant. Fain played a pivotal role in developing the UAW's strike strategy, which involved escalating walkouts at various factories, including some in Chicago.

The agreement between the UAW and Stellantis, reached on October 28, guarantees wage hikes of up to 25% over the next 4.5 years, as well as cost-of-living raises. As part of the deal, Stellantis committed to reopening the Belvidere factory. Similar agreements have been reached between the UAW and General Motors (GM) and Ford, with ratification votes currently underway.

To support Stellantis' estimated $5 billion investment in Belvidere, Gov. Pritzker's administration is finalizing an incentives package. The details of this package are currently being worked out and will provide necessary support for the plant's revival. State funds for the project could come from a $400 million "deal-closing fund" for large-scale private investments. Additionally, the state has established incentives for automakers transitioning to electric vehicles and battery production while preserving jobs.

President Biden commended the resilience of the UAW members who walked the picket lines and credited them for applying pressure to achieve these significant outcomes. He also revealed that he personally called Mark Stewart, Stellantis' chief operating officer for North America, to emphasize the importance of reopening the Belvidere plant. This call fulfilled a promise he made to Matt Frantzen during a face-to-face meeting in Chicago.

The reopening of the Belvidere plant holds great promise for the region. It will be retooled to produce a midsize truck in 2027, and a battery plant for electric vehicles is scheduled to follow in 2028. These developments are key priorities for the Pritzker administration and are expected to create a minimum of 2,500 new jobs, with an estimated investment of nearly $5 billion.

When Stellantis closed the Belvidere plant last February, 1,350 workers were laid off. Now, with its reopening, the plant will provide a much-needed boost to the local economy and bring job opportunities to the community. The plant, which has a rich history dating back to 1965 and previously produced Jeep Cherokees, will play a significant role in the advancement of the automotive industry in the region.

Following the Belvidere event, President Biden traveled to Chicago to attend a fundraiser where he took the opportunity to address political matters and confront former President Donald Trump. The event aimed to secure support from major Democratic donors and underscore the successes and progress made during Biden's term.

As the automotive industry braces for a revival, the reopening of the Stellantis plant in Belvidere stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between unions, government officials, and private companies. This achievement not only highlights the determination of the UAW but also demonstrates the commitment of the Biden administration and Gov. Pritzker's administration to strengthen the American workforce and promote economic growth.