Stellantis workers authorize strike with 97.3% vote as plant sale deadlock deepens
Over 9,000 Unifor members backed strike action over the weekend, as the union and automaker remain at odds over the future of the Brampton assembly plant.
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More than 9,000 Unifor members at Stellantis delivered an overwhelming strike mandate over the weekend, voting 97.3 per cent in favour of authorizing strike action if negotiations fail.
The union and the automaker remain at an impasse over two critical issues: job security and the future of the Brampton assembly plant. Stellantis has announced plans to sell the Brampton facility to Roshel, a defence contractor, a move that has sparked fierce resistance from workers who fear the loss of wages, pensions, and benefits. The plant has been idle since 2023, when Jeep Compass production moved to Illinois. That layoff affected workers across the facility.
James Stewart, president of Unifor Local 444, said: "When you deliver a strike authorization vote with overwhelming support across our Stellantis workplaces, you send a powerful message of unity and strength. You have given us the tools to get this done."
Unifor National President Lana Payne added: "Unifor members at Stellantis understand how difficult negotiations with the company have been and gave an overwhelming mandate to support their bargaining committee. Our members are united in their determination to reach a fair agreement with Stellantis that protects jobs for Canadian autoworkers."
Unifor stated it will not accept a deal "that weakens Stellantis' footprint within Canada's auto industry due to broken commitments," though the specific commitments in question remain unclear.
Strike action remains a last resort, according to Unifor. The union has not yet achieved legal strike position — a status that requires either the union or Stellantis to request a "no board" report. Workers affected include those at facilities in Windsor and Toronto, as well as the idled Brampton plant.
Stellantis Canada President and CEO Trevor Longley said the company considers Canada an important market and has invested significantly in Canadian operations. The company argues that selling the Brampton plant no longer makes business sense but could ultimately support future workers. Windsor's third shift was restored in February 2024.
By the numbers
What percentage of Unifor members voted to authorize a strike?
97.3 per cent of Unifor members voted in favour of authorizing strike action if negotiations fail.
Why do workers oppose Stellantis' plan to sell the Brampton plant?
Workers fear the loss of wages, pensions, and benefits that would result from the sale of the Brampton assembly plant to Roshel, a defence contractor.
