Unifor, a national union, has been informed by Stellantis of its serious deliberation on the closure and potential sale of the Brampton Assembly Plant. Despite receiving preliminary information from Stellantis regarding these plans, Unifor’s national president Lana Payne stated that the company has not yet provided written notice of the plant’s closure, as mandated by their collective agreement.
Stellantis is obligated under the collective agreement terms to give the union a minimum of one year’s notice in the event of a closure or sale. Payne disclosed that Stellantis has expressed its intention to engage in discussions with another entity regarding the potential sale of the plant.
Expressing disappointment, Payne emphasized the impact on union members who have dedicated themselves to the plant. Stellantis, in a statement, confirmed its focus on engaging in collective bargaining and reiterated its commitment to finding a sustainable manufacturing solution for the Brampton Assembly facility.
The plant was initially scheduled for retooling to accommodate Jeep Compass production, a process that commenced in January 2024 but was halted in February 2025. Subsequently, in October 2025, the company informed the union of its decision to relocate Jeep Compass production from Brampton to the U.S., effectively halting operations at the plant indefinitely.
Unifor emphasized the irreplaceable nature of high-paying union jobs established through decades of auto sector collective agreements. The union plans to address this issue with Stellantis during upcoming contract negotiations, stressing that the current situation is unacceptable to both the union and its members.
Unifor underscored the importance of protecting Canada’s auto manufacturing sector and preserving the economic significance of the Brampton Assembly plant for the local community. As negotiations progress with Stellantis, the union remains committed to advocating for the retention of jobs at the Brampton facility.
Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285, affirmed the union’s resolve to safeguard jobs at the plant, emphasizing the critical nature of these positions. Unifor Local 1285, representing approximately 2,200 members at the Brampton plant, highlighted the support provided to workers during the plant’s idle period through income security measures.
Stakeholders, including the City of Brampton and the federal government, have expressed solidarity with Unifor and the affected workers. Efforts are underway to explore solutions that ensure the continuity of automotive production in Brampton, safeguard jobs, and promote long-term investments in Canada.
