Strike action on the table if Stellantis sticks to plan to sell Brampton plant: union

TORONTO — The union representing over 9,000 Stellantis workers in Canada warns a strike is a "real possibility" following the breakdown of talks with the automaker over a plan to sell an assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario. Unifor national president Lana Payne addressed reporters on Thursday, expressing hope for a new collective agreement with Stellantis before the existing deal expires on Sunday at 11:59 p.m. However, this would necessitate a change in direction by the company.

On Friday, Stellantis announced a memorandum of understanding with defense contractor Roshel for the potential sale of the Brampton facility, which has been dormant since 2023. Payne maintains that Roshel's willingness to consider hiring laid-off workers does not replace the quality of jobs auto production offers at the plant. Union leader Payne wrote to Industry Minister Mélanie Joly on Wednesday, urging the federal government to intervene and prevent the potential sale, questioning whether the memorandum of understanding complies with Stellantis' commitments to Ottawa.

Joly stated that the government seeks a "new model" from Stellantis at the plant and will exert "maximum pressure" to achieve it. This report by The Canadian Press was initially published on September 17, 2026.