Stellantis is reportedly considering closing and selling the Brampton Assembly Plant, according to a national union. Unifor’s national president Lana Payne revealed that the union was informed by Stellantis about these potential plans, although no formal written notice has been given as required by the collective agreement. The company is obligated to provide at least one year’s notice to the union in the event of closure or sale and has expressed intentions to engage in discussions with another party regarding the plant’s potential sale.
Payne expressed profound disappointment, describing the news as a significant blow to the union and its dedicated members who have contributed wholeheartedly to the plant. Stellantis, in response, stated that they are gearing up for the collective bargaining process and currently have no official announcements to make, emphasizing their commitment to finding a sustainable manufacturing solution for Brampton Assembly.
The plant had been undergoing retooling for Jeep Compass production since January 2024, a process that was halted in February 2025. Subsequently, in October 2025, Stellantis informed the union of its decision to relocate Jeep Compass production from Brampton to the United States, effectively putting the plant on standby indefinitely. Payne stressed the irreplaceable nature of the high-paying union jobs created through decades of auto sector collective agreements.
Unifor plans to address this issue during upcoming contract negotiations with Stellantis, highlighting that the current situation is unacceptable both to the union and its members. Payne reiterated the union’s advocacy for government policies safeguarding Canada’s auto manufacturing sector, underscoring the Brampton Assembly plant’s historical significance as an economic pillar in the community.
As Unifor engages in labor negotiations with major automakers, including General Motors and Stellantis, the union is resolute in its commitment to safeguarding jobs at the Brampton plant. Local 1285 President Vito Beato emphasized the importance of preserving these jobs and expressed optimism about finding opportunities for the plant’s future in vehicle production through constructive bargaining.
Amidst these developments, the City of Brampton reaffirmed its support for Unifor and plant workers, taking measures to ensure the site remains designated for automotive production. Government officials at both the federal and provincial levels have also pledged active engagement to protect jobs and secure long-term investments in Canada’s automotive industry.