Stellantis has temporarily paused work on its next-generation Jeep Compass, including retooling activities at the Brampton Assembly Plant, raising concerns for workers who were expecting production to resume on schedule.
The company has assured Unifor, the union representing autoworkers at the plant, that vehicle production plans remain in place. However, the timing of the pause has heightened uncertainty for those currently working on the retooling process and those on layoff.
“The company has reassured the union that vehicle production plans are still in place for Brampton, although the timing of this announcement raises very serious concerns for Unifor members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
Brampton Assembly, which employed about 3,000 workers before the plant shut down for retooling, is being upgraded to build new electric and gas-powered Jeep models. Under Unifor’s 2023 contract with Stellantis, and with support from the federal and Ontario governments, the plant is expected to return to full capacity with three shifts once work is complete.
Unifor expressed broader concerns about the auto industry’s instability, citing the impact of U.S. tariffs and shifting electric vehicle policies. Payne said these uncertainties are affecting corporate decision-making and causing anxiety among workers.
“Our members in the auto sector understand the ups and downs of the industry, so a timing delay isn’t out of the ordinary,” she said. “However, this is not an ordinary time … and we know our members are feeling additional worry right now.”
The company had planned to restart production in the fourth quarter of 2025, but that timeline is now uncertain, said Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285.
“We believe vehicle production will continue in Brampton, but we think it’s overly optimistic to think our production start date in the fourth quarter of 2025 stays on track,” Beato said. “We need to be clear about these timelines, and we need to make sure that our members are protected in the event of any change that may affect their income security.”
The delay could also affect local auto parts suppliers that rely on production at Brampton, impacting thousands of additional workers, both union and non-union.
Unifor represents more than 8,000 members at Stellantis facilities across Canada, including Windsor Assembly, Etobicoke Casting, and parts distribution centres in Mississauga and Red Deer.
