Stellantis Considers Potential Closure and Sale of Brampton Assembly Plant, Union Reveals
The national union Unifor disclosed that Stellantis is contemplating the closure and sale of the Brampton Assembly Plant. Unifor’s national president Lana Payne stated that Stellantis informed them of these considerations on Wednesday verbally, without providing the necessary written notice stipulated in the collective agreement.
According to Payne, Stellantis is obligated to give the union a one-year notice before any closure or sale, but formal notification is yet to be presented. The company has expressed interest in engaging with another entity regarding the potential sale of the plant.
Expressing deep disappointment, Payne emphasized the impact on union members who have dedicated themselves to the facility. Stellantis responded in a statement, stating that they are gearing up for collective bargaining and have no announcements at present, focusing on seeking a sustainable manufacturing solution for the Brampton site.
Unifor Criticizes Stellantis’ Actions
Payne highlighted that the Brampton plant was slated for Jeep Compass production retooling, which started in January 2024 but was halted in February 2025. Subsequently, in October 2025, Stellantis informed the union about transferring Jeep Compass production from Brampton to the U.S., leading to the plant’s indefinite idling.
The union president stressed the irreplaceable nature of high-paying union jobs established through decades of collective agreements in the auto sector. She pledged to address this issue during upcoming contract talks with Stellantis, firmly stating that the current situation is unacceptable for both the union and the plant workers.
Union’s Resolve to Protect Jobs and Canadian Auto Manufacturing
Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285, vowed to continue the fight to safeguard jobs at the Brampton facility, highlighting their significance. He asserted that the story for Brampton does not conclude with closure and expressed optimism about negotiating a path back to vehicle production at the bargaining table.
Amid ongoing negotiations with automakers, Unifor seeks to secure the future of Canadian auto manufacturing. The union represents approximately 2,200 members at the Brampton plant, who currently receive income security during the idle period.
Support for Brampton Workers
Local authorities and government officials have voiced support for the workers and the preservation of automotive production in Brampton. The City of Brampton has taken steps to ensure the site remains designated for automotive use, aiming to facilitate the return of workers to the plant.
In alignment with these efforts, the federal government is actively engaging with stakeholders to safeguard jobs, production, and investments in Canada. The collaborative approach seeks to find a solution that benefits the workers and sustains automotive manufacturing in Brampton for the long term.