Merry Christmas, Auto Workers. Stellantis to Layoff 1,350 in Illinois and Move Its Plant to Mexico.

Just in time for Christmas, auto workers at the Stellantis plant in Belvidere, Ill., are bracing for layoffs. Although the layoffs are not slated until February 28 of next year, employees of the plant will spend the holiday season trying to plan their futures instead of enjoying time with their families.

According to Fox Business, the plant manufactures the Jeep Cherokee and has 1,350 employees. The automaker cited the effects of COVID-19, a lack of microchips, and the high costs associated with making electric vehicles as the reasons for the decision. Stellantis added that the decision would “stabilize production,” bolster efficiency, and “preserve affordability and customer satisfaction in terms of quality.” So to save money to produce EVs, the Illinois plant will be shuttered. The company said it will do everything it can to rehire laid-off workers if possible, and Illinois Governor J.B.  Pritzker’s office has announced plans to retrain displaced workers for other jobs. – READ MORE