Unifor and Stellantis have hit a snag in their contract negotiations, with the future of the automaker’s Brampton Assembly Plant becoming a significant hurdle to reaching a new deal.
After 10 days of intense bargaining in Toronto, the union announced on Friday that it has paused formal discussions with Stellantis after both sides couldn’t come to a tentative agreement by their target deadline of September 11.
Unifor mentioned that its main bargaining committee is now looking at its next steps.
“Central to the impasse is the future of Stellantis’ Brampton Assembly Plant,” the union stated in a release on Friday.
The union also pointed out that Stellantis hasn’t confirmed future plans for its Windsor Assembly Plant and Etobicoke Casting Plant, adding more uncertainty into the negotiations.
The existing collective agreement will expire on September 20 at 11:59 p. m. ET.
WATCH | Stellantis considering closing, selling Brampton plant, Unifor says:
Unifor says Stellantis considering closing, selling Brampton assembly plant
Unifor reported that it received information from Stellantis on Wednesday about possible plans to close or sell the Brampton plant. CBC Dale Manucdoc breaks down what we know.
According to Unifor, Stellantis has only offered conditional approval regarding the economic pattern settlement negotiated by the union, linking it to the potential closure of the Brampton facility.
This dispute revolves around a plant that has been idle since 2023 and was previously expected to be revamped for Jeep production.
In October 2025, Unifor claims Stellantis backed out of an earlier promise to invest in Jeep production at Brampton due to reasons such as U. S. tariffs. The company later reassured Unifor members and government officials that it planned to make conditional investments in new vehicle programs at the site.
This plan faced further uncertainty in August when Stellantis informed Unifor it was seriously contemplating closing and selling off the facility to another party.
The company has since confirmed signing a memorandum of understanding with defense supplier Roshel, which is interested in acquiring the plant.
Unifor expressed that proposals for closure and sale have complicated negotiations and remain unacceptable for them.
The union insists there can’t be any tentative settlement unless there’s an appropriate resolution for Local 1285 members at Brampton.
This stance was clear right from when talks began on September 1.
Union: Negotiations ‘difficult and challenging’
Unifor national president Lana Payne referred to these talks with Stellantis as possibly being their toughest round after agreements were successfully made with Ford and General Motors earlier this summer.
“We expect this round of negotiations to be our most difficult and challenging yet, possibly ever,” Payne said as discussions kicked off.
At that time, she emphasized that protecting jobs at Brampton was a top priority since over 2,000 workers had been laid off.
“To be blunt, Stellantis has had a lot of work ahead and will need to do much more to mend relations with our members and Canadians,” Payne said.
“It starts with making things right with our members at Brampton Assembly; that means putting them back to work building vehicles instead of shutting down or selling off the plant.”
I think it’s fair to say that in terms of.. our investment long-term in Canada, this is an important market for us and will continue to be an important market for us in the future.- Trevor Longley, Stellantis Canada president and CEO
Stellantis Canada president and CEO Trevor Longley mentioned earlier how they see these negotiations as key for determining their future presence in Canada.
The company claims it has invested over $8 billion into its Canadian operations since 2022-money aimed at enhancing manufacturing capabilities while advancing battery tech development in Ontario.
“I think it’s fair to say that in terms of.. our investment long-term in Canada, this is an important market for us and will continue to be an important market for us in the future,” Longley remarked.
The ongoing talks are taking place amid persistent uncertainties surrounding U. S. tariffs along with concerns regarding Canada’s automotive industry outlook.
Unifor cautioned that rising tariffs could significantly impact Canada’s auto sector along with its supply chains.
Brock University labor studies professor Larry Savage previously described how unions are “fighting battles on two fronts” – negotiating with Stellantis while also addressing trade policy matters within Ottawa.
“The union is fighting hard not just for itself but also trying hard just save Canada’s auto industry,” Savage commented.
Union: proposed closure threatens wages
A statement released by Unifor on Friday indicated how proposed closure or sale of Brampton Assembly would jeopardize wages along with pensions plus benefits concerning its members while striking Ontario’s automotive sector severely
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The union also highlighted how automotive assembly plays a vital role supporting extensive supply chains alongside regional economic activity. They argue there’s no simple substitute economically for high-quality jobs linked directly through vehicle production.
.<P meanwhilestated also sharedthat they continue discussing issues concerning broken commitments about Branptonplantanditsfuturewiththefederalgovernment. P
)Withformaldiscussionsnowpaused, thecontractexpirydateisfastapproachingon September20withoutanytentativeagreementinplace.
A statement releasedby Unifo rwill clarifyitsnextstepsindaysahead.
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