The union representing Canadian workers at Stellantis is calling on the automaker to stick to its promise of retooling the Brampton, Ont., plant, as it appears ready to sell it instead.
Last Friday, Stellantis revealed that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Roshel, a Canadian armoured vehicle manufacturer, regarding a potential sale of its Brampton facility.
During a news conference in Toronto on Thursday, Unifor national president Lana Payne expressed that the union does not agree with the company’s decision to sell.
“Stellantis is 100 per cent serious about exiting Brampton. Currently that is their only plan. Everyone needs to understand this, especially our governments,” Payne stated.
The plant has been inactive since 2023 as it was meant to be retooled for Jeep Compass production; however, the company halted those plans in early 2025 and later decided to move production of that model to the U. S.
“Our union has consistently maintained that the best course for Brampton is for Stellantis to start retooling for the promised Jeep Compass,” she added.
“Don’t close, don’t sell. Protect the integrity of the plant as a bridge to future vehicle production.”
WATCH | Unifor says Stellantis considering selling its Brampton plant:
Unifor says Stellantis considering closing, selling Brampton assembly plant
Unifor mentioned that they received information from Stellantis on Wednesday about possible plans to either close or sell the Brampton plant. CBC’s Dale Manucdoc breaks down what we know.
Stellantis Claims Commitment to Canada
A letter from Stellantis shared with by an employee at the Brampton facility indicated that the automaker remains “firmly” committed to Canada.
“Now in our 101st year here, we continue to build vehicles in Windsor, operate our Etobicoke casting facility and invest in advanced research and development at our engineering centre in Windsor,” said the letter.
“We remain available to meet with Unifor and encourage them to engage with Roshel to better understand their vision for the Brampton assembly plant.”
Payne noted that there hasn’t been any discussion between Unifor and Roshel yet.
In an email on Thursday, Roshel shared a statement from CEO Roman Shimonov issued last Friday. His statement mentioned that they have an “ambitious plan” for production in Brampton and are ready to bring back laid-off Unifor workers.
“We look forward to successfully concluding our discussions with Stellantis and implementing our plans to bring over 2,000 jobs, as well as new sovereign capabilities, including the production of ballistic steel, to Canada and this facility,” his statement said.
The letter from Stellantis also noted that they had explored various options for resuming production in Brampton but found none “provided a sustainable long-term business case that would support continued operations at the facility.”
It explained that “market and trade conditions have directly impacted the original business case for Brampton.”
“The automotive industry continues facing unpredictable trade policies, challenging regulatory requirements and affordability pressures,” said the letter.
Louann Gosselin, spokesperson for Stellantis, sent out a corporate statement asserting that they believe an MOU with Roshel provides a “credible path” toward creating jobs and “generating long-term economic value” for Brampton, Ontario and Canada.
“We believe this outcome serves both community interests and employees’ needs by transforming an idle facility into productive operations quickly while supporting long-term economic growth,” stated Gosselin’s message. p >
CBC has reached out for comments from Innovation , Science , and Economic Development Canada. p >
Canada slaps matching 25% tariff on U. S.-made vehicles p >Canada is retaliating against U. S. President Donald Trump’s trade policy by imposing a 25 percent tariff on vehicles imported from America not compliant with Canada’s agreement. Prime Minister Mark Carney stated Trump’s tariff plan indicates ‘the global economy is fundamentally different today than it was yesterday.’
Possible Strike Action Discussed by Union
Payne remarked that until discovering details about Stellantis’ MOU with Roshel , conversations were focused around commitment towards maintaining operations at Bramptons. p >
Roshel’s involvement has complicated negotiations further between Unifor And Stellanti s. P >
The current collective agreement between them expires September 20th at 11:59 PM. P >
Payne expressed Un ifors goal is reaching tentative settlement without resorting strike action but it’s still “a real possibility.” P >
She sent correspondence Wednesday asking federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly about conversations possibly held regarding MOU considerations or approval related sales implications.</P
“Selling th at pl ant amidst trade war along w ith ongoing collective bargaining seems indefensible,” she voiced. p >
WATCH | Ottawa says it’s putting ‘maximum pressure’ on Stellantis over Brampton plant:
Feds putting ‘maximum pressure’on stellant is over Bramton Plant Sale : joly p >Industry Minister Mélanie Joly highlighted federal funding provided earlier aimed towards retooling before conflicts arose should lead manufacturers like stellant iss committing new models pertaining t o this site otherwise “we’ll get ou r money back.”
Ardis Snow , chairperson working almost thirty-eight years expressed anxiety among workers remains “very high.”< /P
S now mentioned although employees currently benefit unemployment benefits supplemented paychecks some might need tap into savings withdrawing retirement funds maintain living standards during such troubling times.
“Our members feel immense pressure presently ; they just want return work [and] provide families consistent ly like past experiences.” he conveyed.< /P
If closure occurs it’d result being “absolutely devastating,” he warned.< / P
According t o Payne , B rampton represents significant symbol across Canadian auto industry landscape overall.</ P
>If commitments made can be ignored here they’ll likely break anywhere else too.” She emphasized concerns raised throughout these discussions very clearly outlined relevant stakes involved moving foward.></ P
