Unifor, a national union, revealed this week that Stellantis is seriously contemplating the closure and sale of the Brampton Assembly Plant. Unifor’s national president, Lana Payne, informed the media on Friday that the union had received verbal communication from Stellantis on Wednesday regarding these potential actions. However, Stellantis has not issued a formal written notice of closure to the union, as required by their collective agreement.
According to Payne, Stellantis must provide the union with a minimum of one year’s notice before closing or selling the plant. The company has hinted at engaging in discussions with another entity regarding the potential sale of the facility. Payne expressed deep disappointment, stating that this development has profoundly impacted the union and its members, particularly the dedicated workers at the plant.
In response, Stellantis released a statement on Friday indicating that they are gearing up for collective bargaining but have no announcements to make at this time. The company emphasized its commitment to seeking a sustainable manufacturing solution for the Brampton Assembly Plant.
Payne highlighted that the plant was initially set to undergo retooling for Jeep Compass production, which commenced in January 2024 but was halted in February 2025. Subsequently, in October 2025, Stellantis informed the union of its decision to transfer the planned Jeep Compass production from Brampton to the United States, thereby putting the plant’s operations on hold indefinitely.
She underscored the irreplaceable nature of the well-paying union jobs established through decades of auto sector collective agreements. Payne affirmed that the union will address this issue with Stellantis during upcoming contract negotiations, emphasizing that the current situation is unacceptable for both the union and its members.
Moreover, Unifor vowed to advocate for a government policy safeguarding Canada’s auto manufacturing sector, citing the Brampton Assembly Plant’s historical significance as an economic pillar for the community. As Unifor engages in labor negotiations with major automakers, including General Motors and Stellantis, the union remains resolute in its commitment to fighting for the preservation of jobs at the Brampton facility.
Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285, echoed this sentiment, affirming the union’s determination to protect the workers’ livelihoods. Despite the plant’s temporary closure, workers are receiving income support equivalent to 70% of their earnings. Beato asserted that abandoning the workers is not an option, expressing optimism about finding solutions to resume vehicle production at the bargaining table.
Unifor Local 1285, representing approximately 2,200 members at the Brampton plant, remains dedicated to securing a sustainable future for the facility. Local officials, along with government representatives, have voiced their support for the workers and underscored the importance of retaining automotive production in Brampton.