Automaker Stellantis has entered into a preliminary agreement with Roshel, a Canadian armored vehicle manufacturer, regarding a potential transaction involving its inactive Brampton, Ontario, assembly plant. The Canadian union representing Stellantis employees has halted contract negotiations due to disagreements about the future of the Brampton facility. Trevor Longley, Stellantis Canada’s chairman, president, and CEO, mentioned that various options were considered for the plant, which has been non-operational since 2023. Longley emphasized Roshel as a viable solution to reviving sustainable operations at the Brampton Assembly plant. Unifor, the union, is currently assessing the situation and plans to share additional information soon.
The existing labor agreement between Stellantis and the union is scheduled to expire on September 20. Negotiations commenced in Toronto on September 1 following successful contract agreements with Ford Motor Co. and General Motors earlier in the year through pattern bargaining.
The union had set a deadline of September 11 to reach an agreement with Stellantis but announced that talks broke down after ten days due to the company’s persistent proposal to shutter and sell the Brampton plant. Unifor expressed concern over the impact on workers’ wages, pensions, and benefits, as well as the broader implications for Canada’s industrial sector and the Brampton community.
Roshel’s CEO, Roman Shimonov, assured that former Brampton plant employees would receive priority consideration for positions at the facility. Shimonov outlined plans to establish a Canadian Center of Excellence for Defense Manufacturing in Brampton, along with automotive production. The company aims to create over 2000 jobs and introduce new capabilities to Canada through various government programs.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown expressed disappointment over the potential sale, emphasizing the impact on workers and the community. He urged the federal government to hold Stellantis accountable for its commitments and emphasized the need for transparency in Roshel’s job creation plans.
The uncertainty surrounding the Brampton plant extends to Stellantis’ Windsor assembly and Etobicoke casting plants, with no confirmed plans disclosed. Unifor reiterated its stance on resolving issues at the Brampton plant before finalizing any agreements. Stellantis refrained from providing further comments to respect the ongoing bargaining process.
Unifor Local 444 President, James Stewart, stated that the union’s bargaining priorities were not met by Stellantis, leading to a pause in negotiations. The union’s objectives include resolving the future of the Brampton plant, securing investments in facilities, and maintaining bargaining patterns. While discussions continue, a definitive deadline has not been set by the union.
