Unifor, a national labor union, reported receiving information from Stellantis indicating serious consideration of closing and selling the Brampton Assembly Plant. Unifor’s president, Lana Payne, stated that although Stellantis has not formally notified the union of the potential closure as required by their collective agreement, discussions about selling the plant to another company are on the table.
Expressing disappointment, Payne highlighted the importance of the plant to union members who have dedicated themselves to its operations. Stellantis, in response, mentioned their focus on engaging in collective bargaining and emphasized their commitment to finding a sustainable manufacturing solution for the Brampton Assembly facility.
The planned retooling of the plant for Jeep Compass production was paused in February 2025, leading to the decision to relocate the production to the U.S., which would halt operations at the Brampton site indefinitely. Payne stressed the irreplaceable nature of the high-paying union jobs established over decades in the auto sector.
Unifor plans to address these concerns during upcoming contract negotiations with Stellantis, emphasizing the crucial role the Brampton plant plays in the local community and economy. Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285, reiterated the union’s determination to safeguard jobs at the plant, stating that giving up on the workers is not an option.
With negotiations ongoing between Unifor and automakers, including General Motors and Stellantis, efforts are being made to protect the future of auto manufacturing in Canada. The union remains hopeful for a resolution that ensures the continuation of automotive production in Brampton and the return of workers to the plant.