Stellantis, a major automaker, has informed a national union that it is seriously contemplating the potential closure and sale of the Brampton Assembly Plant. Unifor’s national president, Lana Payne, disclosed that the union received verbal communication from Stellantis regarding these deliberations, but no formal written notice of closure has been issued as stipulated in their collective agreement.
According to Payne, Stellantis is obligated under the agreement to provide the union with a minimum of one year’s notice before any closure or sale. The company has hinted at engaging in discussions with another entity regarding the potential sale of the plant, a move that has deeply disappointed the union and its members who have dedicated themselves to the facility.
In response, Stellantis released a statement emphasizing their focus on engaging in collective bargaining discussions and refrained from making any official announcements at the moment, stating their commitment to finding a sustainable manufacturing solution for the Brampton Assembly plant.
Payne highlighted that the plant was initially scheduled for retooling to produce Jeep Compass vehicles, a process that commenced in January 2024 but was halted in February 2025. Subsequently, in October 2025, Stellantis informed the union of its decision to shift the production of Jeep Compass vehicles from Brampton to the United States, potentially leading to a prolonged plant shutdown.
Unifor expressed strong dissatisfaction with this development, emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of the well-paying union jobs established over decades in the automotive industry. The union plans to address these concerns during upcoming contract negotiations with Stellantis, stressing the importance of preserving jobs in Brampton and advocating for a sustainable future for the plant.
Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285, affirmed the union’s commitment to fighting for the retention of jobs at the Brampton plant, asserting that abandoning the workers would be a detrimental decision considering the significance of these roles. He expressed optimism about exploring opportunities for the plant’s future and the potential resumption of vehicle production through constructive dialogue during contract negotiations.
Unifor Local 1285 represents approximately 2,200 members at the Brampton plant, who are currently receiving income security benefits while the plant remains inactive. The union remains steadfast in its advocacy for policies safeguarding Canada’s auto manufacturing sector and securing a prosperous future for automotive production in Brampton.
Various stakeholders, including the City of Brampton and the federal government, have pledged their support to protect the workers at the plant and uphold automotive manufacturing in the region. Efforts are underway to engage with all relevant parties to ensure the continuity of operations and long-term investments in Canada’s automotive industry.
