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

Unifor, the union representing over 9,000 Stellantis workers in Canada, is contemplating a strike should the automaker proceed with its plan to sell the Brampton assembly plant. Discussions between the union and Stellantis stalled over the company's intention to sell the facility. Unifor's national president, Lana Payne, remains optimistic about reaching a new collective agreement before Sunday, but only if Stellantis changes its course.

Last Friday, Stellantis signed a memorandum of understanding with Roshel, a defense contractor, for a potential sale of the Brampton plant, which has been idle since 2023. While Roshel has expressed willingness to consider employing laid-off workers, Payne insists the plant offers "no substitute" for the quality of jobs provided by auto production.

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 breaches Stellantis' commitments to Ottawa. Joly has stated that Ottawa is seeking a "new model" from Stellantis and will apply "maximum pressure" to ensure it is met.