Stellantis is reportedly contemplating the potential closure and sale of the Brampton Assembly Plant, according to a national union. Unifor’s national president, Lana Payne, disclosed that the union was informed by Stellantis about these considerations earlier this week. However, the formal written notice of closure, as required by the collective agreement, has not been provided to the union. Stellantis is obligated to give at least a year’s notice to the union regarding any closure or sale, but discussions about a potential sale with another company have been hinted at by the automaker.
Expressing disappointment, Payne emphasized that the move would significantly impact the union and its dedicated members, who have devoted their efforts to the plant. Stellantis responded by stating that they are gearing up for the collective bargaining process and refrained from making any immediate announcements, focusing instead on seeking a sustainable manufacturing solution for the Brampton facility.
The plant was initially slated for retooling to produce Jeep Compass vehicles, a process that commenced in January 2024 but was halted in February 2025. Subsequently, in October 2025, the union was informed that the production of Jeep Compass vehicles intended for Brampton would be relocated to the U.S., leading to a potential indefinite shutdown of the plant.
Payne stressed the irreplaceability of high-paying union jobs established through decades of auto sector collective agreements. The union intends to raise this critical issue during the forthcoming contract negotiations with Stellantis, emphasizing the dire consequences for the workers in Brampton and the broader community.
Unifor has initiated talks with the Detroit Three automakers for new labor agreements, with negotiations currently ongoing with General Motors and scheduled to proceed with Stellantis. The existing contract with Stellantis, covering plants in Brampton, Windsor, and Etobicoke, is set to expire on September 20.
Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285, affirmed the union’s commitment to safeguarding the jobs at the Brampton plant, asserting that abandoning the workers would be a grave mistake given the significance of these jobs. The union remains resolute in its stance that the closure of the plant is not an acceptable outcome and vows to explore alternatives to resume vehicle production during the bargaining process.
Unifor Local 1285, representing approximately 2,200 members at the Brampton plant, highlighted that while the facility is inactive, workers are receiving income security amounting to 70% of their regular income.
In a supportive statement, Shawn Bubel, spokesperson for Brampton mayor Patrick Brown, reiterated the city’s solidarity with Unifor and the plant workers. The city has taken measures to preserve automotive manufacturing at the site by zoning the lands specifically for such production activities.
Riyadh Nazerally, spokesperson for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, affirmed the federal government’s commitment to safeguarding jobs and fostering long-term investments in Canada. Active engagement with Stellantis, Unifor, and the Province of Ontario is underway to secure production and protect employment opportunities at the Brampton plant.