Unifor, a national union, revealed that Stellantis is contemplating the closure and potential sale of the Brampton Assembly Plant. Lana Payne, Unifor’s national president, disclosed that Stellantis shared this information with the union on Wednesday without issuing a formal written closure notice as stipulated in the collective agreement. The company is obligated to provide the union with at least one year’s notice before any closure or sale, according to Payne.
Expressing disappointment, Payne emphasized that the union, especially the dedicated workers, feels profoundly affected by this development. Stellantis, in response, stated that they are gearing up for collective bargaining and currently have no official announcement. Their primary objective remains finding a sustainable manufacturing solution for the Brampton Assembly Plant.
The plant was initially scheduled for retooling to produce Jeep Compass vehicles, but this process was halted in February 2025. Subsequently, in October 2025, Stellantis informed the union of plans to relocate Jeep Compass production from Brampton to the U.S., leading to an indefinite plant shutdown. Payne stressed the irreplaceable nature of the high-paying union jobs established over 80 years in the auto sector under the collective agreement.
She underscored that the union will address this matter during upcoming contract negotiations with Stellantis. Additionally, Payne reiterated the union’s call on the federal government to implement policies safeguarding 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, stating closure is not an option for them.
Unifor Local 1285 represents around 2,200 members at the Brampton plant, who are currently receiving income security during the idle period. The City of Brampton, represented by Shawn Bubel, expressed solidarity with Unifor and the plant workers, emphasizing efforts to protect automotive manufacturing in the city. Riyadh Nazerally, representing Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, affirmed the government’s engagement with Stellantis, Unifor, and the Ontario government to secure production, preserve jobs, and ensure long-term investments in Canada.