The labor union representing Canadian employees at Stellantis is urging the car manufacturer to uphold its commitment to revamp its Brampton, Ontario, facility amid indications that it might be sold instead. Stellantis recently disclosed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Canadian armored vehicle maker Roshel regarding a potential sale of the Brampton plant.
During a press briefing in Toronto, Unifor national president Lana Payne expressed the union’s disagreement with Stellantis’s decision to sell the plant. Payne emphasized that Stellantis is fully serious about exiting Brampton and urged all stakeholders, especially governments, to recognize this reality.
The Brampton plant has been inactive since 2023, initially slated for retooling for Jeep Compass production before the plan was paused in early 2025. Subsequently, Stellantis announced the relocation of Jeep Compass production to the United States instead of Canada.
Unifor maintains its steadfast position that Stellantis should proceed with the retooling of the promised Jeep Compass at the Brampton facility to safeguard its future vehicle production capabilities. The union emphasizes the importance of preserving the plant’s integrity as a transition to forthcoming production activities.
Stellantis stated in a letter shared with CBC News that the company remains firmly committed to Canada, highlighting its century-long presence in the country. The automaker affirmed its operations in Windsor, the Etobicoke casting facility, and investments in advanced research and development at the Windsor engineering center. Stellantis expressed readiness to engage with Unifor and encouraged discussions with Roshel to grasp the vision for the Brampton assembly plant.
Unifor disclosed that they have not engaged in discussions with Roshel yet. In response, Roshel’s CEO Roman Shimonov conveyed an optimistic outlook, emphasizing the company’s ambitious production plans for Brampton and a commitment to rehire laid-off Unifor workers.
The letter from Stellantis acknowledged exploring various options to revive production in Brampton but cited challenges in sustaining operations at the facility due to market and trade conditions. Stellantis reiterated its belief that the MOU with Roshel presents a credible pathway to create jobs and long-term economic value in Brampton and Canada.
Unifor hinted at the possibility of strike action as the current collective agreement with Stellantis nears its expiration on September 20. Payne underscored the union’s preference for a tentative settlement without resorting to strikes, although the prospect remains on the table.
Ardis Snow, the chairperson at the Brampton plant, voiced concerns about heightened worker anxiety and the potential devastating impact of plant closure. The union highlighted the symbolic significance of the Brampton facility as a representation of Canada’s automotive industry.
Automotive News Canada’s online editor, Greg Layson, described the situation surrounding Stellantis, the contract negotiations, and the future of the Brampton plant as complex and challenging. Layson suggested that not closing or selling the plant could be a preferable short-term solution amid uncertainties stemming from the trade war and unmet commitments tied to government incentives.
The looming U.S. midterms and trade war uncertainties could swiftly influence economic policies and market dynamics, further complicating the situation surrounding Stellantis and the Brampton plant.
