Senator Durbin: Chrysler's Difficult Decision Will Bring Belvidere Plant Back Online

May 20, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today made the following statement after learning of Chrysler’s plan to bring the Belvidere Assembly Plant and Belvidere Satellite Stamping Plant back online.

“The latest decision by Chrysler was not easy. In choosing to bring the Belvidere plant back online, Chrysler had to reduce its workforce and cut local, good-paying jobs.

“The nearly 1,000 workers who will lose their job over the next two months will face the challenge of finding a new line of work in challenging economic times. I will work with Chrysler, the Obama Administration and the United Auto Workers to see that these workers are given all available resources as soon as possible in order to make a smooth transition into other jobs.”

“But, while other Chrysler plants around the country remain idle, Belvidere will finally be able to restart production. This is good news for Northern Illinois as it shows that this plant will be a part of Chrysler’s future after bankruptcy.”

Source: Senator Dick Durbin