A national labor union has been informed by Stellantis this week that there is a serious consideration for closing and selling the Brampton Assembly Plant. Unifor’s national president, Lana Payne, revealed to the media on Friday that the union received verbal information from Stellantis on Wednesday regarding these potential actions. However, Stellantis has not yet provided formal written notice of the plant’s closure as per the collective agreement requirements.
Under the terms of the agreement, the company is obligated to give at least a one-year notice to the union before any closure or sale. Stellantis has also hinted at engaging in discussions with another company for the potential sale of the plant, which has left the union deeply disappointed.
In response, Stellantis stated in a release on Friday that they are gearing up for the collective bargaining process and do not have any official announcements to make at this time. The company emphasized its commitment to finding a sustainable manufacturing solution for the Brampton Assembly facility.
Unifor’s Payne expressed dismay over the situation, citing that plans to retool the plant for Jeep Compass production, which began in January 2024 but paused in February 2025, were already in motion. Later in October 2025, Stellantis informed the union about relocating the Jeep Compass production intended for Brampton to the United States, potentially leaving the plant idle indefinitely.
Payne stressed the importance of preserving high-paying union jobs established through decades of auto sector agreements, highlighting the significance of these positions for the workers and the community. The union intends to address these concerns with Stellantis during upcoming contract negotiations.
Moreover, Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285, affirmed the union’s commitment to safeguarding jobs at the Brampton plant and emphasized that giving up on workers is not an option. Beato expressed optimism about exploring opportunities for the plant’s future and a return to vehicle production during bargaining discussions.
Unifor Local 1285 represents approximately 2,200 members at the Brampton plant, who are currently receiving income security while the plant remains inactive, with the union covering 70% of their income.
In a show of solidarity, a spokesperson for Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown pledged support for Unifor and the plant workers, with the city taking measures to preserve automotive manufacturing at the site. The federal government also signaled its commitment to protecting jobs at the Brampton plant and ensuring continued operations in Canada through active engagement with stakeholders.
The news comes amid Unifor’s ongoing negotiations with major automakers, with the union currently in talks with General Motors before moving on to discussions with Stellantis. The current contract with Stellantis covering plants in Brampton, Windsor, and Etobicoke is set to expire on September 20.