The union representing Canadian workers at Stellantis is urging the automaker to uphold its commitment to retool its Brampton, Ontario plant as reports suggest a potential sale. Stellantis recently disclosed that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Roshel, a Canadian armored vehicle manufacturer, regarding the potential sale of the Brampton facility.
During a press conference in Toronto, Unifor’s national president, Lana Payne, expressed dissatisfaction with Stellantis’ decision to consider selling the plant. She emphasized that Stellantis appears resolute in exiting Brampton, which is currently their sole plan, urging stakeholders, particularly the government, to recognize this stance.
The Brampton plant has been inactive since 2023, initially scheduled for retooling to produce Jeep Compass vehicles before the plan was halted in early 2025. Subsequently, production of the model was redirected to the United States. Payne reiterated Unifor’s stance that Stellantis should proceed with retooling for the promised Jeep Compass production instead of closing or selling the plant to maintain its potential for future vehicle manufacturing.
In response to Stellantis’ commitment to Canada, a letter shared by a Brampton plant worker emphasized the automaker’s enduring dedication to the country. Stellantis highlighted its continued operations in Windsor, Etobicoke, and investments in advanced research and development in Windsor. The letter invited Unifor to engage with Roshel to gain insights into the vision for the Brampton plant.
Unifor has not yet engaged in discussions with Roshel, but the company’s CEO, Roman Shimonov, conveyed ambitious plans for production in Brampton, promising to create over 2,000 jobs and reintegrate laid-off Unifor workers. Stellantis explained that various options were explored to resume production in Brampton, citing market conditions and trade policies as challenges affecting the plant’s viability.
Stellantis believes that partnering with Roshel presents a credible path to generate long-term economic benefits for Brampton and Canada. The company aims to transform the idle facility into a productive operation that can swiftly create jobs and foster economic growth. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly has been actively involved, emphasizing the importance of Stellantis delivering on its commitments to the plant.
Unifor expressed concern over the potential sale’s timing amidst trade tensions and ongoing collective bargaining negotiations, raising the possibility of strike action. The union aims to secure a tentative agreement without resorting to a strike but acknowledges the looming threat. Ardis Snow, a long-serving employee at the Brampton plant, highlighted worker anxiety and financial struggles, underscoring the significance of the plant to the automotive sector in Canada.
Automotive News Canada’s online editor, Greg Layson, characterized the contract talks and plant’s future as complex and chaotic. The MOU with Roshel is seen as a possible solution, but the preference is to retain and revitalize the plant rather than close or sell it. Layson highlighted the challenging negotiations, exacerbated by unmet commitments linked to governmental incentives and uncertain economic conditions influenced by trade disputes and impending political events.