Brampton, Ont. — Auto workers affected by what unions are calling “the Trump tariff war” are urging residents to join a rally in Brampton this week to defend Canadian auto sector jobs.
The protest follows Stellantis’ decision to move production of the Jeep Compass from its Brampton Assembly Plant, which employs about 3,000 workers, to the U.S. General Motors has also announced major cuts, ending its BrightDrop EV program in Ingersoll and eliminating a third shift in Oshawa — affecting another 2,000 jobs.
Unifor is hosting the rally Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2000 Williams Pkwy., calling for public solidarity.
“Canada’s auto industry is under direct attack,” the union said. “Automakers are caving to Trump’s pressure by shifting production south of the border.”
The Brampton plant has been idle since early 2024 amid tariff-related uncertainty. Stellantis estimates it could lose $2.68 billion USD in the first half of 2025 due to U.S. trade penalties.
Trade talks between Canada and the U.S. collapsed last week after Trump threatened another 10% tariff on Canadian goods, prompting criticism from Premier Doug Ford, who said the former president “is not putting a deal together to benefit Canada.”
(Source: INsauga)
