Chrysler to lay off nearly 1,000 more workers in Belvidere

Chrysler plans to lay off 992 workers at its assembly plant in northern Illinois and convert the Belvidere plant to a one-shift operation.

About 2,600 workers are employed at the Belvidere plant, which assembles Dodge Calibers, Jeep Patriots and Jeep Compasses. It's been idle since Chrysler filed for bankruptcy in April.

The struggling automaker announced the cuts in an e-mail Tuesday, and the layoffs begin July 27.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin issued a statement Wednesday saying he'll work with Chrysler, the United Auto Workers and the Obama administration to help workers who are losing their jobs.

Durbin says Chrysler's action is actually "good news for northern Illinois." He says it shows that the Belvidere plant will be able to restart production while other plants around the country remain idle.