Some workers at Stellantis’ Brampton assembly plant are contemplating relocating to Windsor, Ontario, after the company revealed plans to manufacture the Jeep Compass model in Illinois instead of Brampton. The return of a third shift at Stellantis’ Windsor plant in early 2026 offers unionized Brampton employees the opportunity to transfer and fill that shift. Chris Vicars, a long-time Brampton plant employee, deliberated the decision with family and friends before choosing to live and work in Windsor during the week and return to Brampton on weekends.
Vicars, who has been with the Brampton plant since 2005, considered factors such as pension implications, as he is nine years away from full pension eligibility. Despite the emotional toll of being away from his family, including his two daughters aged 12 and 14, Vicars decided to make the move for financial reasons while acknowledging the challenges of the transition.
Before shutting down in early 2024 for retooling to accommodate the Jeep Compass production, Brampton’s Stellantis plant employed approximately 3,000 individuals. Vicars expressed frustration over the lack of transparency from the company following the shutdown, questioning the impact on workers’ lives and the delay in sharing critical information.
The opportunity for Brampton employees to transfer to Windsor or vice versa is outlined in the collective agreement between Stellantis and Unifor, the union representing Canadian Stellantis workers. While many Brampton employees are eligible for transfer, not all are expected to relocate, leaving potential job openings in Windsor. Despite the recent investment announcement by Stellantis in the U.S., the commitment to add a third shift in Windsor remains unchanged, focusing on Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Charger models production.
Unifor representatives criticized Stellantis for its minimal communication with Brampton workers and emphasized the need for clarity and commitments to the Brampton facility. Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated ongoing discussions with Stellantis regarding future plans for the Brampton plant, stressing the importance of involving Unifor in these consultations.
Following the announcement, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly warned of potential legal actions to ensure Stellantis meets its obligations to Canadian employees. The minister highlighted a previous agreement tied to Stellantis’ production commitments in Brampton. Despite potential challenges like losing plant seniority, workers like Vicars expressed willingness to transfer back to Brampton should the opportunity arise, underscoring the desire to be close to family despite the sacrifices involved.
