Unifor won’t rule out Stellantis strike over Brampton plant sale: ‘We do not accept that the options are Roshel or nothing’ - Toronto Star

The union's contract with Stellantis expires at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 20, but union members haven't yet taken a strike vote.

The Stellantis vehicle assembly plant is shown in Brampton, Ont.

The union representing thousands of workers at Stellantis says it won’t rule out a strike against the automaker after contract talks collapsed over the potential sale of the company’s idled Brampton plant to defence contractor Roshel — a deal the union says came after repeated assurances Stellantis was committed to the plant.

“We do not accept that the options are Roshel or nothing,” said Unifor national president Lana Payne at a press conference Thursday.

In an emailed statement, Stellantis said the proposed Roshel deal was the best option.

“We believe this outcome is in the best interest of both the community and employees, transforming an idled facility into a productive operation that can create jobs quickly and support long-term economic growth,” the company said. “Stellantis remains committed to its broader manufacturing, research and development footprint in Canada.”

Roshel didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment.

The union’s contract with Stellantis expires at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 20, but union members haven’t yet taken a strike vote.

The assembly plant has been idle since December 2023, when it shut down for retooling to produce a new version of the Jeep Compass.