The Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies conducted research on the direct and indirect losses for the northern Illinois economy as a result of the announced third shift cutback. You can hear that interview Friday, March 8 and 6:50 and 8:50 on WNIJ's Friday Forum.
Fiat Chrysler announced Tuesday it will return its Belvidere assembly plant to a two shift operation, affecting 1,371 jobs. According to a release from the company, the decision is based on global demand.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles notified the State of Illinois, the City of Belvidere, and the UAW that it will make the shift change beginning May 6, 2019.
According to the statement, the company will make every effort to place indefinitely laid off hourly employees in open full-time positions as they become available based on seniority.
The announcement comes as the company plans to expand operations in Detroit. According to the Associated Press, Fiat Chrysler on Tuesday announced a $4.5 billion investment plan it said would increase its workforce in Detroit and the surrounding suburbs by about 6,500 jobs to build all-new or next-generation SUVs.
