Jim Hoffa Applauds Wilmington Reopening

Yesterday announcement that PHEV manufacturer Fisker will take GM's Wilmington Assembly facility and use it to build the Karma has stirred a wave of enthusiasm in the industry. Among the many to commend the choice made by Fisker and the support shown by US vice president Joe Biden is Jim Hoffa, general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

"Thousands of workers and their families were devastated when GM closed this facility in August," Hoffa added. "The decision by Fisker Automotive to retool the plant and build electric vehicles is an important step in rebuilding our economy."

"By rehiring laid-off workers, the White House and the company are showing a commitment to reinvesting in our national infrastructure. It is important that they do so in a way that is good for workers and good for the community."

Production in Wilmington will not begin until 2012 however, and the plant is not quite yet in Fisker's hands. The manufacturer will only purchase the facility from GM after a four months trial period, yet is unlikely the deal will not be completed.

"Starting production at this plant is important to every one of us who was affected by the GM closing," Stuart Small, a 37-year member of Teamsters Local Union 326 said in support of his president's opinion. "It is difficult to find comparable work in this economy. These are jobs that you can raise a family on and retire. It is important to all of us and to the community that we get back to work and that we are treated fairly."