Stellantis extends Windsor Assembly shutdown to week of 9 November

Plant management's notice told production workers not to report unless a supervisor contacts them, while skilled trades employees keep their regular shifts, according to ClubAlfa and Mopar Insiders.

Stellantis had already cancelled production for the weeks of 19 October, 26 October and 2 November. In a statement, the company said it "continues to evaluate and adjust its manufacturing operations in response to evolving market conditions, including consumer demand and the impact of tariffs." AM800 reported the latest cancellation, for the week of 9 November.

About 6,400 people work at Windsor Assembly, according to AM800 and CBC. The Globe and Mail puts the figure at about 6,000 unionized workers. The plant builds the Chrysler Pacifica and Grand Caravan minivans and the Dodge Charger, including gasoline SIXPACK versions, according to ClubAlfa and Mopar Insiders.

The cancelled weeks mean temporary layoffs for the plant's workers, The Globe and Mail reported. Unifor Local 444 posted notice of the extension to the week of 9 November, and a union spokesperson said Stellantis had cited tariffs and volume for the earlier shutdown, Windsor News Today reported. The notice did not give a specific reason for the 9 November cancellation, Mopar Insiders reported.

Stellantis and Unifor remain at a standstill in contract talks, largely over the company's plan to sell its Brampton Assembly plant, CBC reported. The company has said it wants to sell the plant, citing "market and trade conditions," while Unifor has called the plan "indefensible." The union's collective agreement expired on 20 September.

Four consecutive weeks, six since September

The four cancelled weeks are consecutive. The Globe and Mail described the stoppage as the plant's sixth week since mid-September, a count that includes earlier downtime. Mopar Insiders said Windsor Assembly will have gone nearly a month without building vehicles by the end of the week of 9 November.

Tariffs and demand

U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on non-U.S. content in Canadian-made cars in 2025, The Globe and Mail reported. He has also said Canada's auto-tariff rate will rise to 50 per cent and include auto parts on 1 January.

The tariffs have caused automotive layoffs in Ontario and reduced car shipments between the two countries, The Globe and Mail reported.

What happens next

The latest notice covers only the week of 9 November. ClubAlfa reported that resumption of assembly on Monday 16 November still needs confirmation. Formal trade talks between Ottawa and Washington are expected to resume shortly, The Globe and Mail reported.