Stellantis is reportedly weighing the potential closure and sale of the Brampton Assembly Plant, according to a recent communication with the national union. Unifor’s Lana Payne disclosed that the company shared this information with the union earlier in the week, although no formal written notice of closure has been presented as per the collective agreement’s requirements.
The collective agreement mandates that Stellantis must give the union a minimum of one year’s notice for any closure or sale. Payne mentioned that Stellantis has expressed its intention to engage in discussions with another company regarding a possible sale of the plant, eliciting disappointment from the union.
Stellantis released a statement emphasizing their readiness to enter collective bargaining discussions but refrained from making any official announcements at this juncture. The focus remains on seeking a sustainable manufacturing solution for the Brampton Assembly facility.
Despite plans to retool the plant for Jeep Compass production, a process initiated in January 2024 and halted in February 2025, the company notified the union in October 2025 of relocating the Jeep Compass production slated for Brampton to the U.S., resulting in a potential indefinite shutdown of the plant.
Unifor’s discontent is palpable, with Payne stressing the irreplaceable nature of well-paying union jobs established through decades of collective agreements in the automotive sector. The union intends to address this issue during forthcoming contract negotiations with Stellantis.
The union continues to advocate for government policies safeguarding Canada’s auto manufacturing sector, underscoring the Brampton Assembly plant’s historical significance as a key economic driver in the community. As Unifor engages in negotiations with automakers, including General Motors and soon Stellantis, they remain committed to protecting the jobs at the Brampton plant.
Unifor Local 1285’s President, Vito Beato, reiterated the union’s determination to safeguard the Brampton plant’s workforce, highlighting the critical importance of these jobs. The union is resolute in seeking opportunities to revive vehicle production at the plant and rejects the notion of closure.
With approximately 2,200 Unifor members represented at the Brampton plant, the union ensures that workers receive “income security” during the plant’s idle period, replacing 70% of their income. Stakeholders such as the City of Brampton and federal authorities are actively engaged in efforts to preserve jobs and automotive production in Brampton, emphasizing the significance of the plant to the local economy.
