Stellantis Announces Layoffs in Canada, U.S., and Mexico in Response to Trump’s Auto Tariff
WINDSOR, ON, April 3, 2025 — Stellantis has announced temporary layoffs impacting thousands of workers across North America, including members of Unifor Local 444 at the Windsor Assembly Plant, in response to a new 25% tariff on autos imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The layoffs, which also extend to Stellantis facilities in Mexico and the United States, come even before the tariff officially takes effect. Workers at the Windsor plant were notified last night of a two-week shutdown beginning April 7, with further schedule disruptions expected in the coming weeks. The new tariff targets all non-U.S. content in Canadian-made vehicles and officially begins today.
“Unifor warned that U.S. tariffs would hurt auto workers almost immediately, and in this case, the layoffs were announced before the auto tariff even came into effect,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Trump is about to learn how interconnected the North American production system is the hard way—with auto workers paying the price for that lesson.”
Unifor represents more than 4,500 Stellantis workers at the Windsor Assembly Plant, with additional members working in the auto parts supply chain through Local 195. Union leaders say workers are deeply worried about the future.
“Our members are concerned for their jobs and frustrated by the uncertainty these unjust and needless tariffs are creating across the industry,” said Unifor Local 444 President James Stewart. “We are prepared to fight for our jobs with the full backing of Unifor members across the country.”
Unifor is calling on the federal government to increase support for workers impacted by the growing trade war, and to take strong retaliatory action.
“The U.S. is targeting Canada’s economy sector by sector, starting with steel, aluminum, and now auto,” said Payne. “Canada needs to respond swiftly and strategically to halt Trump’s attempt to steal jobs and pick off industries one by one.”
Unifor is the largest private-sector union in Canada, representing 320,000 workers across multiple industries. The union continues to advocate for fair trade, social justice, and protections for working people at home and abroad.
