Stellantis, the automaker, has entered a memorandum of understanding with Roshel, a Canadian armored vehicle manufacturer, regarding the potential sale of its dormant Brampton, Ontario, assembly plant. The union representing Canadian Stellantis workers has paused contract negotiations due to a deadlock concerning the future of the Brampton facility.
Trevor Longley, the Chairman, President, and CEO of Stellantis Canada, mentioned that the company explored various options for the idled plant, which has been inactive since 2023. Longley emphasized Stellantis’ belief that Roshel offers a viable avenue to revive sustainable operations at the Brampton Assembly plant, maintaining its strategic significance in Canada’s advanced manufacturing landscape and preventing prolonged inactivity.
Unifor, the union, is currently evaluating future actions and plans to provide further details soon. President Vito Beato of Unifor Local 1285 expressed concerns about third parties interfering in bargaining discussions and the plant’s future.
The current collective agreement between Stellantis and the union is scheduled to expire on September 20 at 11:59 p.m. Talks commenced on September 1 in Toronto following Unifor’s successful negotiations with Ford Motor Co. and General Motors in Canada earlier in the summer.
The union had set a deadline of September 11 to reach a new agreement with Stellantis, but negotiations stalled after ten days due to the company’s insistence on potentially closing and selling the Brampton plant. Unifor spokesperson Kathleen O’Keefe highlighted the detrimental impact of the proposed closure and sale on wages, pensions, benefits, and the industrial sector in Canada, especially in Ontario and the Brampton community.
Roshel’s CEO, Roman Shimonov, assured that laid-off Brampton workers would have priority for positions at the plant, aiming to establish a Canadian Center of Excellence for Defense Manufacturing alongside automotive production. Shimonov pledged to offer job opportunities through government programs and other initiatives.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown expressed disappointment over the potential sale, labeling it as a broken commitment by Stellantis that could betray workers and taxpayers. He called for government intervention to hold Stellantis accountable and demanded transparency from Roshel regarding job creation and investment plans.
Unifor also highlighted uncertainties regarding Stellantis’ plans for its Windsor assembly plant and Etobicoke casting plant. The union emphasized the need for a resolution for Local 1285 members in Brampton before finalizing any agreements.
Despite the pause in negotiations, Unifor stressed that the decision was not indefinite and discussions with Stellantis would continue to address key priorities. The union remains committed to finding a resolution and ensuring the best outcome for its members.