A major labor union has been informed by Stellantis of its serious contemplation of shutting down and selling the Brampton Assembly Plant. Unifor national president Lana Payne disclosed that the union received verbal information from Stellantis about the potential plans but has not received the required written notice of closure as per their collective agreement. Stellantis is obligated to provide at least one year’s notice to the union before any closure or sale, but they have expressed their intention to start discussions with another entity regarding the plant’s potential sale.
Expressing disappointment, Payne stated that the development is distressing for the union, particularly for the dedicated workers at the plant. Stellantis responded by stating that they are gearing up for collective bargaining and have no official announcements to make at the moment. The company emphasized their commitment to finding a sustainable manufacturing solution for the Brampton Assembly facility.
Payne highlighted that the plant was in the process of being retooled for Jeep Compass production, which commenced in January 2024 but was halted in February 2025. In October 2025, Stellantis informed the union about its decision to relocate the Jeep Compass production originally designated for Brampton to the United States, potentially putting the plant on standby indefinitely.
She emphasized the irreplaceable nature of the high-paying union jobs established under the auto sector collective agreement spanning over 80 years. Payne asserted that the union will address this issue in the forthcoming contract negotiations with Stellantis, emphasizing that the situation is unacceptable for both the union and the plant workers.
Unifor continues to urge the federal government to implement policies safeguarding Canada’s auto manufacturing sector. The Brampton Assembly Plant has played a crucial economic role in the Brampton community for generations, generating quality union jobs and manufacturing renowned Chrysler and Dodge vehicles.
As Unifor engages in new labor negotiations with the Detroit Three automakers, including ongoing talks with General Motors, they are scheduled to proceed with discussions with Stellantis. The current contract covering plants in Brampton, Windsor, and Etobicoke is set to expire on Sept. 20.
Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285, affirmed the union’s commitment to fighting for the preservation of jobs at the Brampton plant, emphasizing that relinquishing on workers at this point would be a detrimental move. He expressed optimism about exploring opportunities for the plant’s future and getting back to vehicle production during bargaining sessions, emphasizing that closure is not a viable option.
Unifor Local 1285 represents approximately 2,200 members at the Brampton plant, who are currently receiving “income security” during the plant’s idle phase, replacing 70% of their income, according to the union.
In response to the situation, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown’s spokesperson, Shawn Bubel, affirmed the city’s solidarity with Unifor and the plant workers, mentioning measures taken to safeguard automotive manufacturing at the site. The federal government, as represented by Riyadh Nazerally from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, reiterated its dedication to protecting the workers at the Brampton plant and ensuring its continued operation in Canada through active engagement with all concerned parties.
