Stellantis, the automaker, has announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding with Canadian armoured vehicle manufacturer Roshel regarding a potential sale of its inactive assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario.
At the same time, the union representing Stellantis workers in Canada mentioned that it has paused contract negotiations due to a deadlock over the future of the Brampton facility.
Trevor Longley, who is the chairman, president and CEO of Stellantis Canada, stated that the company looked into various options for the plant, which has been non-operational since 2023.
“Stellantis believes that Roshel represents a strong path to restoring sustainable operations at Brampton Assembly, preserving the site’s strategic role in Canada’s advanced manufacturing sector and helping to avoid a prolonged period of inactivity,” Longley said in an emailed statement.
Unifor is currently “actively considering next steps” and will share more information in the coming days.
“The bottom line is no third party should be getting involved in any of our bargaining, and especially in discussions of the future of our assembly plant,” said Unifor Local 1285 President Vito Beato in a Facebook video directed at union members.
The existing collective agreement between Stellantis and Unifor is set to expire on Sept. 20 at 11:59 p. m.
The negotiations began on Sept. 1 in Toronto after Unifor ratified new agreements with Ford Motor Co. and General Motors earlier this summer as part of its pattern bargaining strategy with each member of Detroit’s Big Three.
If they’re truly abandoning us here then that’s betraying not just our workforce but also every Canadian taxpayer,” Brown commented.
This corporation accepted hundreds millions dollars worth public funding based upon promises concerning this very plant only later moving production south leaving almost three thousand staff behind alongside suppliers small businesses dependent upon them awaiting clarity.”.()”‘I’ll advocate strongly towards taking necessary action against violating commitments given by these companies,’” he concluded adding ‘the people from our community deserve better answers regarding their futures.’”()‘`’Our local workforce should not wait longer than required – they deserve certainty about what lies ahead within this establishment!”(**).´`”`
Union Claims Potential Sale Disrupts Negotiations
Although Unifor had set a deadline for reaching an agreement with Stellantis by Sept. 11, it stated on Friday that talks fell apart after ten days. “The persistence of the company’s proposal to close and sell the Brampton plant has hindered the bargaining process,” said Unifor spokesperson Kathleen O’Keefe in a statement. “The proposed closure and sale jeopardize wages, pensions and other benefits for Unifor members. It also delivers a severe blow to Canada’s industrial sector, particularly affecting Ontario and the community surrounding Brampton.” WATCH | Union feared Brampton plant could close or be sold: Unifor says Stellantis considering closing, selling Brampton assembly plant Unifor reported receiving information from Stellantis on Wednesday about possible plans to shut down or sell off the Brampton facility. CBC’s Dale Manucdoc explains what we know so far. She added there’s “no economic substitute for automotive assembly in Canada, including all related supply chains, regional economic activity, and high-quality union jobs tied to it.” More than 2,000 employees were laid off when operations ceased at the Brampton facility back in 2023. Any workers concerned about their income security during this negotiation pause will receive updates soon enough, Beato assured. “We said this would be the fight of our lives and we’re right in it now,” he remarked. “Everyone was promised a future that the company seems to have gone back on.” A month ago, Unifor noted receiving communication indicating Stellantis was weighing options regarding closing or selling off their plant. The site had been earmarked for retooling aimed at Jeep production starting early in 2024 before those plans were put on hold early last year. The company later revealed they would shift production of Jeep Compass vehicles to U. S., which unions claimed breached their current collective agreement while leaving Brampton idle indefinitely.Roshel Promises Jobs for Laid-off Workers
This past Friday Roman Shimonov , CEO of Roshel announced that laid-off workers from Brampton would have first dibs on job openings if they arise at this location. “Roshel has an ambitious plan to create a Canadian Centre of Excellence for Defence Manufacturing right here in Brampton alongside our ongoing automotive operations,” Shimonov stated. “We’re prepared to offer letters assuring priority hiring for laid-off Unifor employees who could return as early as 2026 through federal Light Utility Vehicles procurement program along with other automotive & defense ventures,” he continued. Shimonov expressed hopefulness regarding finalizing discussions with Stellantis so they can implement plans “to create over 2000 jobs while also introducing new sovereign capabilities such as ballistic steel production here.”Brampton Mayor Calls News ‘Disheartening’
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown voiced disappointment upon hearing about potential sale stating workers have faced uncertainty for nearly three years now calling this news “another broken promise” by Stellantis.If they’re truly abandoning us here then that’s betraying not just our workforce but also every Canadian taxpayer,” Brown commented.
This corporation accepted hundreds millions dollars worth public funding based upon promises concerning this very plant only later moving production south leaving almost three thousand staff behind alongside suppliers small businesses dependent upon them awaiting clarity.”.()”‘I’ll advocate strongly towards taking necessary action against violating commitments given by these companies,’” he concluded adding ‘the people from our community deserve better answers regarding their futures.’”()‘`’Our local workforce should not wait longer than required – they deserve certainty about what lies ahead within this establishment!”(**).´`”`
No Confirmed Plans Yet Regarding Windsor Assembly Facility In addition besides uncertainties surrounding employment opportunities within Bramptons concern comes similarly relating unconfirmed forecasts concerning Windsor facilities casting site.n’Unfor has reiterated throughout saying no tentative settlement occurs without proper resolution addressing needs represented locals at bramton.’n As O’Keefe pointed out clearly maintained consistency during discourse showing intent uphold previous agreements made directly involving Ford.n’
Longely mentioned indeed offering further comments remains difficult respecting collaborative discussions occurring presently given nature overall situation.”
Bargaining Pause Not Permanent According To Union
>James Stewart presiding over local434(Windsors assembly) shared via social media stating main priorities included reaching satisfactory resolutions surrounding bramptons operational status securing commitment investments aiming provide stable third shifts establishing similar standards achieved previously along negotiating terms established earlier dealings presented unto ford motor co.”
>>Stewart revealed mutual deadlines were agreed upon coinciding around September eleventh whereupon formal announcement communicated concerns referring developments relative potential sales emerged subsequently prompting unions decision toward halting discussions however declaring pauses indefinite appeared inaccurate ensuring all parties explore alternative approaches working together planning future strategies.”
>No specific deadlines have been set yet either reaffirming commitment continuing onward.”
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