The union representing Canadian workers at Stellantis is urging the automaker to uphold its commitment to retool the Brampton, Ontario plant, amid indications of a potential sale. Stellantis recently announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Canadian armored vehicle maker Roshel regarding a potential sale of the Brampton plant.
During a news conference in Toronto, Unifor national president Lana Payne expressed the union’s dissatisfaction with Stellantis’ decision to sell the plant. According to Payne, Stellantis is determined to exit Brampton, emphasizing the importance of this information for all stakeholders, particularly the government.
The Brampton plant has been inactive since 2023, initially for retooling to produce Jeep Compass vehicles, a plan that was halted in early 2025. Subsequently, the company decided to transfer production of the vehicle model to the U.S. instead of Canada.
Payne reiterated the union’s stance that Stellantis should proceed with retooling for the promised Jeep Compass production, advocating to preserve the plant’s integrity for future vehicle manufacturing.
Stellantis shared a letter reaffirming its commitment to Canada and its operations in Windsor and Etobicoke. The letter also mentioned the company’s readiness to engage with Unifor and encouraged discussions with Roshel to understand their plans for the Brampton plant.
In response, Roshel conveyed its ambitious production plans for Brampton, including the creation of over 2,000 jobs and the introduction of new capabilities, such as ballistic steel production in Canada.
Stellantis explained that various factors, including market conditions and trade policies, influenced the decision-making process regarding Brampton’s future operations. The company believes the MOU with Roshel presents an opportunity to generate economic value and employment for the region.
Addressing the possibility of strike action, Payne indicated that discussions with Stellantis previously indicated a commitment to Brampton. However, Roshel’s involvement has complicated negotiations, with the current collective agreement set to expire soon.
Ardis Snow, a long-serving employee at the Brampton plant, highlighted the high anxiety among workers due to the uncertain situation. The potential closure of the plant would have severe consequences, impacting both employees and the broader automotive industry in Canada.
Automotive reporter Greg Layson described the ongoing contract talks and the future of the Brampton plant as a complex situation. While the MOU with Roshel could offer a solution, Layson emphasized the importance of keeping the plant operational and not selling it in the short term. He noted the challenges arising from unmet commitments tied to government investments and the evolving economic and political landscape.
The situation surrounding the Brampton plant remains uncertain, with potential ramifications for the automotive sector in Canada.