In a fiery speech during the Democratic National Convention on Monday night, United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain accused automaker Stellantis of breaking promises to reopen a closed assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois. The dispute has escalated, and now the potential for a strike looms over the automaker.

Last fall, the UAW successfully negotiated the reopening of the Belvidere plant, which had been closed due to a six-week strike at multiple factories operated by Stellantis, as well as General Motors and Ford. Fain, addressing the crowd at the convention, emphasized that Stellantis must honor the commitments made in their union contract.

Stellantis, in a statement, confirmed that it had informed the UAW about the delay in reopening the Belvidere plant but vehemently denied any violation of the contract. The company argued that it had the flexibility to modify investments and employment levels as per the agreed-upon terms. Stellantis emphasized the need to make a compelling business case and adapt to market conditions to ensure the future competitiveness and sustainability of U.S. manufacturing jobs.

The UAW has filed a grievance against Stellantis, alleging that the company has postponed plans for a parts distribution hub in Belvidere, delayed the restart of metal stamping operations until 2025, and pushed back the production of a midsize truck until 2027. These delays, according to the UAW, violate the terms of the 2023 contract and could extend beyond its expiration in 2028.

Fain expressed concern that Stellantis is intentionally prolonging the process to avoid reopening the plant altogether. He questioned the company's reliability, stating, "If they go back on this, what else can they go back on?"

The dispute has not gone unnoticed by political figures, as President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had visited the Belvidere plant to celebrate its reopening after the contract negotiations. Fain credited their support for the UAW's success in securing favorable contracts.

In response, President Donald Trump's campaign denounced Fain's association with the Democratic Party and accused him of neglecting the interests of union laborers who support Trump, claiming that the current administration's policies have caused an "economic disaster."

The ongoing dispute between the UAW and Stellantis highlights the challenges faced by workers, unions, and corporations as they navigate the complexities of labor agreements and changing market conditions. As the possibility of a strike looms, the resolution of this dispute will have implications not only for the Belvidere plant but also for the broader relationship between the UAW and Stellantis.