A major labor union has reported that Stellantis is currently weighing the possibility of shutting down and selling off the Brampton Assembly Plant. Unifor’s national president, Lana Payne, disclosed to the media that Stellantis shared this information with them earlier in the week. However, formal written notification of the plant’s closure, as mandated by their collective agreement, has not been provided by Stellantis.
According to Payne, Stellantis must give the union at least a year’s notice before closing or selling the plant, as stipulated in the collective agreement. The company has expressed its intention to commence discussions with another entity regarding a potential sale of the facility.
Expressing deep disappointment, Payne described the situation as devastating for the union and its members, particularly the dedicated workers at the plant who have contributed significantly. Stellantis, in a statement, mentioned that they are gearing up for collective bargaining and currently have no announcements to make, emphasizing their commitment to finding a sustainable manufacturing solution for the Brampton Assembly site.
The Brampton plant was initially scheduled for retooling to produce Jeep Compass vehicles, with the process commencing in January 2024 but being halted in February 2025. Subsequently, in October 2025, Stellantis informed the union of its decision to shift Jeep Compass production from Brampton to the U.S., leading to a potential indefinite shutdown of the plant.
Payne stressed the irreplaceable nature of the high-paying union jobs established through an auto sector collective agreement spanning over 80 years. She pledged to address this issue in the upcoming negotiations with Stellantis, highlighting the union’s firm stance against the current developments.
Moreover, Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285, affirmed the union’s dedication to safeguarding the jobs at the Brampton plant, asserting that giving up on the workers is not an option due to the critical importance of these jobs. Beato expressed optimism about finding opportunities for the plant and resuming vehicle production through negotiation, firmly rejecting the notion of closure.
Unifor Local 1285, representing approximately 2,200 members at the Brampton facility, stated that while the plant is inactive, workers are receiving “income security” equivalent to 70% of their income. Various stakeholders, including the City of Brampton and the federal government, have expressed their support for the workers and commitment to preserving automotive manufacturing in Brampton.