Stellantis is reportedly contemplating the potential closure and sale of the Brampton Assembly Plant, according to a statement from a national union. Although the company has not formally notified the union in writing, Unifor national president Lana Payne stated that Stellantis shared this information with the union earlier in the week. Payne emphasized that the collective agreement mandates a one-year notice period for any closure or sale, and Stellantis has signaled its intention to explore a sale of the plant with another entity.
Expressing disappointment, Payne described the situation as a significant blow to the union and its dedicated members who have contributed significantly to the plant. Stellantis, on the other hand, stated that they are gearing up for collective bargaining discussions and currently have no announcements to make, underscoring their commitment to finding a sustainable manufacturing solution for the Brampton Assembly facility.
The union leader revealed that the plant was initially set to undergo retooling for Jeep Compass production, which 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 planned for Brampton would be relocated to the United States, potentially leaving the plant inactive indefinitely.
Unifor plans to address these concerns with Stellantis during upcoming contract talks, emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of the high-paying union jobs established through decades of collective agreements in the automotive sector. Payne stressed that the current situation is unacceptable to the union and its members, urging for better outcomes for the workers in Brampton and across the nation.
In response to the developments, Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285, affirmed the union’s commitment to fighting for the preservation of jobs at the Brampton plant. He reiterated that abandoning the workers at this juncture would be a mistake, as the jobs are crucial to the community. Beato expressed optimism about exploring opportunities for the plant’s future during negotiations, firmly asserting that closure is not an acceptable outcome.
Unifor Local 1285, representing approximately 2,200 members at the Brampton facility, highlighted that while the plant remains idle, workers are receiving income support equivalent to 70% of their earnings. The union’s efforts align with ongoing contract negotiations with major automakers, with discussions currently underway with General Motors and scheduled to proceed with Stellantis soon. The existing contract with Stellantis covering plants in Brampton, Windsor, and Etobicoke is slated to expire on September 20.
The union’s stance has garnered support from various entities, including the City of Brampton and the federal government, both emphasizing the significance of preserving automotive production in Brampton and protecting the workers’ livelihoods. Efforts are underway to engage with all stakeholders to secure production, safeguard jobs, and encourage long-term investments in Canada.