A major labor union has reported that Stellantis is seriously contemplating the potential closure and sale of the Brampton Assembly Plant. Unifor’s national president, Lana Payne, stated that the union was informed by Stellantis about these considerations on Wednesday. However, the formal written notice of the plant’s closure, as required by the collective agreement, has not been provided to the union.
According to Payne, Stellantis is obligated to give at least one year’s notice to the union in case of closure or sale, as per the terms of the agreement. The company has hinted at engaging in discussions with another entity regarding a possible sale of the plant.
Expressing disappointment, Payne described the situation as a significant setback for the union and its members, emphasizing the dedication of the workers at the plant. Stellantis, in response, stated that they are gearing up for the collective bargaining process and currently have no official announcements to make, emphasizing their focus on finding a sustainable manufacturing solution for Brampton Assembly.
The plant was previously scheduled for retooling to produce Jeep Compass vehicles, a process that commenced in January 2024 but was paused in February 2025. Subsequently, in October 2025, the company informed the union about relocating Jeep Compass production from Brampton to the U.S., leading to the potential indefinite shutdown of the plant.
Payne highlighted the irreplaceable nature of high-paying union jobs established through decades of auto sector collective agreements. The union plans to address this issue during the upcoming contract negotiations with Stellantis, emphasizing the significance of protecting the interests of Brampton’s workforce.
In a bid to safeguard Canada’s auto manufacturing sector, Payne reiterated the union’s call for government policies supporting the industry. Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285, affirmed the union’s commitment to defending the jobs at the Brampton plant, rejecting the notion of giving up on the workers. Beato expressed optimism about finding solutions and reinstating vehicle production, underscoring that closure is not an acceptable outcome.
Unifor Local 1285 represents approximately 2,200 members at the Brampton plant, with workers currently receiving “income security” during the idle period, replacing 70% of their income. The City of Brampton and the federal government have both voiced support for protecting the plant’s operations and preserving jobs, with ongoing efforts to secure production and investments in Canada.