Unifor, a national union, has revealed that Stellantis is contemplating the potential closure and sale of the Brampton Assembly Plant. The union’s president, Lana Payne, disclosed to the media that they received verbal communication from Stellantis this week regarding these deliberations. However, Stellantis has not yet issued the formal written notice of closure as mandated by the collective agreement.
According to Payne, Stellantis is obligated to provide at least a year’s notice to the union in case of closure or sale, but the company has expressed its intention to engage in discussions with another entity regarding the potential sale of the plant. Payne expressed deep disappointment over this development, emphasizing the impact on the workers who have dedicated themselves to the plant.
In response, Stellantis stated that they are gearing up for the collective bargaining process and have no specific announcements to make at present, emphasizing their commitment to finding a sustainable manufacturing solution for the Brampton Assembly facility.
The Brampton plant was originally earmarked for retooling for Jeep Compass production, with the process commencing in January 2024 and halting in February 2025. In a subsequent announcement, Stellantis informed the union in October 2025 about the relocation of Jeep Compass production from Brampton to the U.S., effectively putting the plant on hold indefinitely.
Unifor expressed strong opposition to the potential loss of high-paying union jobs that have been a cornerstone of the auto sector for over 80 years. The union plans to address this issue during the upcoming contract negotiations with Stellantis, underlining the significance of preserving these jobs for the workers in Brampton and across the country.
Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285, affirmed the union’s commitment to fighting for the preservation of jobs at the Brampton plant, emphasizing the vital importance of these roles. He conveyed optimism about exploring opportunities for the plant’s future in discussions at the bargaining table, reiterating that closure is not a viable solution.
Unifor Local 1285 represents approximately 2,200 union members at the Brampton plant, who are currently receiving income security while the plant remains inactive, covering 70% of their income. The union is actively engaging with the federal government to advocate for policies that safeguard Canada’s auto manufacturing sector and protect the interests of workers in Brampton.
Both the City of Brampton and the federal government have expressed solidarity with Unifor and the workers at the plant, affirming their commitment to supporting automotive production in Brampton and maintaining operations in Canada. They are working collaboratively with Stellantis, Unifor, and the Province of Ontario to secure production, protect jobs, and ensure long-term investments in the Canadian automotive industry.