Unifor, a national labor union, has been informed by Stellantis of the potential closure and sale of the Brampton Assembly Plant. The union’s president, Lana Payne, disclosed that Stellantis shared this information with them earlier in the week, although no formal written notice has been provided as per their collective agreement.
According to Payne, Stellantis is obligated to give the union at least one year’s notice in case of closure or sale. She mentioned that the company has expressed intentions to engage in discussions with another entity regarding the potential sale of the plant, which has deeply disappointed the union and its members.
In response, Stellantis stated that they are gearing up for collective bargaining and have no announcements to make presently, emphasizing their commitment to finding a sustainable manufacturing solution for the Brampton facility.
The Brampton plant was supposed to undergo retooling for Jeep Compass production, a process that commenced in January 2024 but was halted in February 2025. Subsequently, in October 2025, the company informed the union about moving the Jeep Compass production to the U.S., which would lead to the indefinite idling of the plant.
Unifor has voiced strong opposition to these developments and plans to address the issue during upcoming contract negotiations with Stellantis. Payne stressed the importance of protecting high-paying union jobs established over decades in the automotive sector.
Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285, affirmed the union’s determination to safeguard the jobs at the Brampton plant, expressing optimism about finding opportunities for the facility’s future in discussions at the bargaining table.
Unifor Local 1285 represents approximately 2,200 members at the Brampton plant, who are currently receiving income security amid the plant’s idle status. The City of Brampton, as well as federal authorities, have expressed support for the workers and are actively engaged in efforts to maintain automotive production at the site and preserve jobs in Canada.
