Unifor Opens Contract Talks with Stellantis for 9,000

The Canadian auto union Unifor has commenced contract negotiations with Stellantis, covering more than 9,000 employees at the automaker's sites across the country. This marks the final round of talks with a Detroit Three automaker, following pattern agreements Unifor previously secured with Ford and General Motors.

A central issue in the negotiations is the future of the Brampton Assembly Plant. Over 2,200 Unifor Local 1285 members at Brampton have remained on layoff since the plant was idled in December 2023 for retooling. The intended production was for the Jeep Compass electric SUV. Stellantis placed that retooling work on temporary hold in February 2025. In October 2025, the company announced Jeep Compass production would instead move to the United States, leaving the Brampton plant idle indefinitely.

Plant-Floor Network Automotive Manufacturing

The union stated the future of the idled Brampton Assembly Plant remains its "priority." Securing production volumes at the Windsor Assembly plant and the Etobicoke Casting Plant is also a major bargaining objective. In August, Stellantis told the union it was "seriously considering" closing or selling the Brampton facility. Unifor links the potential shutdown to the effects of auto tariffs imposed by the US administration of President Donald Trump.

Unifor national president Lana Payne emphasized the union's focus. "Our focus in this round of bargaining will be on Stellantis’ commitment to Canada, and what that looks like," Payne said. "It’s about positioning our members for the future."

Bargaining Timeline and Stellantis Performance

Unifor has set an internal deadline of 11 September for reaching a tentative agreement with Stellantis. James Stewart, chairperson of the Unifor Stellantis Master Bargaining Committee, acknowledged the challenges ahead. "We expect there to be some difficult conversations in the days to come but our bargaining team is here to do the work and to get the right deal for all our members," Stewart said.

The negotiations proceed as Stellantis reports financial results. According to the source, Stellantis's Q2 2026 results showed net revenues up 13% year-on-year to €43.5 billion ($50.48 billion). The revenue growth was driven chiefly by a 32% rise in North America and a 6% gain in South America. European revenues held steady, while results in the Middle East & Africa and Asia Pacific regions both slipped slightly.

Payne delivered a firm message to the company regarding its Canadian operations. "The message I delivered to the company is that Stellantis can never take our members for granted," she said. "Should never take our union for granted. And can never take this country for granted."