Stellantis informed a national union this week about considering the potential closure and sale of the Brampton Assembly Plant, according to Unifor national president Lana Payne. While Stellantis has not officially notified the union of the plant’s closure as required by their collective agreement, discussions with another company regarding a possible sale have been hinted at.
The union expressed disappointment over the news, emphasizing the impact on workers who have dedicated themselves to the plant. Stellantis stated that they are gearing up for collective bargaining and have not made any official announcements yet. Their current focus is on finding a sustainable manufacturing solution for the Brampton facility.
The plant was initially scheduled for retooling for Jeep Compass production, but plans were put on hold in February 2025, with the subsequent decision to move Jeep Compass production to the U.S., which would halt operations at the Brampton plant indefinitely. Unifor raised concerns about the loss of high-paying union jobs that have been a cornerstone of the auto sector for over 80 years.
Unifor plans to address these issues during upcoming contract negotiations with Stellantis, stressing that the situation is unacceptable for both the union and its members. They also continue to advocate for government policies to safeguard Canada’s auto manufacturing sector.
Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285, affirmed the union’s commitment to fighting for the preservation of jobs at the Brampton plant, emphasizing the importance of these roles. Unifor Local 1285 represents approximately 2,200 members at the Brampton facility, with workers currently receiving income security while the plant remains idle.
The news coincides with Unifor’s ongoing negotiation of labor agreements with Detroit Three automakers, with talks currently underway with General Motors and scheduled to proceed with Stellantis. The contract with Stellantis covering plants in Brampton, Windsor, and Etobicoke is set to expire on September 20.
The City of Brampton has expressed solidarity with Unifor and the plant’s workers, taking measures to preserve automotive manufacturing at the site. The federal government has been actively engaged in discussions with Stellantis, Unifor, and the Province of Ontario to secure production, protect jobs, and ensure long-term investments in Canada.
