Windsor Assembly Shutdown Impacts Thousands as Stellantis Reassesses Plans

The Windsor Assembly Plant has officially gone dark for at least two weeks, leaving 4,000 workers temporarily out of work and sending shockwaves through the local auto industry. The shutdown began on Monday, April 7th, and was triggered by a chain reaction of global trade decisions—most notably, new tariffs on automobiles following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement.

Stellantis confirmed the shutdown last week, and while it’s labeled as “temporary,” the uncertainty is creating real anxiety across Windsor. It’s not just the main plant workers who are impacted. Local suppliers have also come to a halt, affecting thousands more who depend on the plant’s production schedule to keep operations moving.

Unifor Local 444, which represents workers at five key suppliers in the area, is sounding the alarm. Union President James Stewart shared that Stellantis is still assessing the situation during the two-week pause, but the lack of clear communication has left everyone in limbo.

“They did say to us that they are going to assess the situation and they expect there could be changes to our schedule after the two weeks,” said Stewart. “Does that mean more layoffs? Does that mean something else? I don’t know. They haven’t been clear with us yet.”

Unifor Local 195, which covers many more workers at smaller parts and logistics companies, is also watching closely as ripple effects grow by the day.

Adding to the frustration is the timing. Before tariffs became a real threat, Windsor Assembly had been eyeing the return of a third shift—a move that would’ve boosted employment and productivity. Now, that potential expansion is likely off the table, at least for now.

Stewart emphasized that whatever decision Stellantis makes will likely come down to sales numbers. If sales slow down because of tariff-related costs, there could be more job losses on the horizon.

For now, workers, families, and businesses in Windsor are left waiting—hoping that this shutdown doesn’t turn into something longer-term.

Video Source: CTV News