The union representing Canadian workers at Stellantis is urging the automaker to uphold its commitment to retool its Brampton, Ontario, plant, despite indications of a potential sale. Stellantis recently announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Canadian armored vehicle maker Roshel regarding the potential sale of the Brampton plant. Unifor national president Lana Payne expressed the union’s firm disagreement with Stellantis’ decision to sell the plant during a press conference in Toronto. Payne emphasized that Stellantis appears determined to exit Brampton and urged all stakeholders, particularly government officials, to recognize this stance.
The Brampton plant has remained inactive since 2023, initially scheduled for retooling to produce Jeep Compass vehicles before plans were put on hold in early 2025. Subsequently, production of the model was relocated to the United States. Payne reiterated the union’s unwavering position that Stellantis should proceed with retooling for the promised Jeep Compass production, emphasizing the importance of preserving the plant’s integrity for future vehicle manufacturing.
Stellantis, in a letter shared with CBC News by a Brampton plant worker, affirmed its enduring commitment to Canada, highlighting its longstanding presence in the country through vehicle production in Windsor, operation of the Etobicoke casting facility, and investments in advanced research and development in Windsor. The company expressed readiness to engage with Unifor and encouraged discussions with Roshel to gain insights into the vision for the Brampton assembly plant.
Moreover, Roshel’s CEO, Roman Shimonov, outlined ambitious plans for production in Brampton, aiming to create over 2,000 jobs and introduce new capabilities, including ballistic steel production. Stellantis stated that despite exploring various options, returning production to Brampton was deemed unsustainable due to market and trade challenges affecting the facility’s long-term viability. The company believes that the MOU with Roshel presents a credible opportunity to generate economic value and create jobs in Brampton.
Unifor raised concerns about Roshel’s involvement disrupting ongoing negotiations with Stellantis, indicating that strike action remains a possibility as the current collective agreement approaches expiration. Payne emphasized the need for a negotiated settlement to avoid potential strikes, while seeking clarity from Industry Minister Mélanie Joly on the government’s engagement with Stellantis regarding the MOU. Worker anxiety at the Brampton plant is significant, with employees relying on unemployment benefits and supplemental pay amid uncertainty about the plant’s future.
The situation surrounding Stellantis, the Brampton plant, and ongoing contract talks was described as complex and challenging by automotive reporter Greg Layson. Layson highlighted the precarious nature of the trade war, unfulfilled commitments tied to government incentives, and the evolving economic landscape as factors contributing to the uncertainty. The MOU with Roshel was seen as a potential resolution, yet preserving the plant and honoring production commitments were considered crucial in the short term.