Unifor Warns of Strike as Stellantis Seeks Brampton Plant Sale

The labor union Unifor has warned of a potential strike involving thousands of employees after contract negotiations with Stellantis reached an impasse. The dispute centers on Stellantis's plan to exit and sell its idled assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, to Roshel, a Canadian armored vehicle manufacturer. Stellantis executives stated that U.S. trade policy and market conditions invalidated the business case for producing the Jeep Compass in Brampton, leading the company to transfer production to Illinois.

Unifor National President Lana Payne has urged the federal government to block the sale, arguing that a defense firm cannot replace a commercial automotive enterprise. The union's concerns extend beyond Brampton; more than 6,000 employees at the Windsor Assembly Plant face a potential strike as the union seeks commitments to maintain third-shift operations and adhere to pattern agreements established with Ford Motor Company. While the current labor agreement expires September 20, Payne noted that no strike deadline has been set and the union still aims for a tentative settlement.

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly stated the government will protect Canadian workers and intends to pressure Stellantis to implement a new model at the plant or return taxpayer-backed financing used for retooling. Roshel CEO Roman Shimonov countered that the company intends to establish a Canadian Centre of Excellence for Defence Manufacturing and plans to prioritize hiring laid-off Unifor workers as early as 2026.