The Ontario government yesterday said it is investing $751,607 to support 3,914 laid-off automotive employees impacted by the recent closure of Stellantis automotive assembly plants in Peel and Durham regions.
The funding will allow Unifor National to run action centres in Oshawa and Brampton that will connect the impacted workers and their families with much needed supports and services, said a provincial statement.
“As Ontario leads the world in electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing, our government is proud to work with our partners to ensure workers have the opportunities and skills to thrive in this rapidly growing sector,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “These action centres will help Peel and Durham region workers develop the highly in-demand skills for lifelong careers – landing better jobs with bigger paycheques for their families.”
The new Unifor Action Centre locations in Brampton and Oshawa will operate until at least January 2025 and will offer skills development programs, personalized career counselling, networking opportunities and other services to workers impacted by the recent plant closures.
“Our goal throughout the EV transition is to ensure auto and auto parts workers are supported every step of the way with strong collective agreements and the kind of vital peer-led services this Action Centre will provide,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “We are pleased to work with the Government of Ontario to open this centre to all union members across the supply chain affected by the retooling of the Brampton Assembly Plant who made it a successful, profitable and world-class facility for decades and ensure everyone is included in the next chapter of Canada’s auto industry.”