Stellantis confirms third shift coming back to WAP in 2026

Stellantis has confirmed the third shift at the Windsor Assembly Plant (WAP) will be reinstated in the first quarter of 2026. Robert Lothian reports.

Stellantis has confirmed the third shift at the Windsor Assembly Plant (WAP) will be reinstated in the first quarter of 2026, with hopes it could restore as many as 1,500 jobs.

The auto giant is pointing to promising forecasts for ‘versions of the Chrysler Pacifica and the new SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger Scat Pack and R/T models.’

After five years without the third shift, Unifor Local 444 believes it could generate between 1,000 and 1,500 jobs.

“It’s not surprise. It’s relief that it’s coming to fruition,” James Stewart, president of Local 444, told CTV News.

Talks to reinstate the third shift have been many months in the making after it was agreed upon during 2023 contract negotiations, Stewart said.

‘Shining light’

Workers at Windsor’s largest employers have endured a tumultuous 2025 to date, marred by unplanned shutdowns and, at times, rotating shifts.

Outside the gates on Tuesday afternoon, Justin Galps, a WAP worker of nearly 10 years, felt there’s reason for optimism at the plant.

“There’s times where they’re deleting jobs off the floor and stuff like that, and that’s all things that we all have to deal with. All companies are dealing with on all levels, but it’s just nice to finally see that shining light,” Galps told CTV News.

Created in 1993, the third shift continued until 2020, when its cancellation included the loss of about 1,500 jobs.

“It’s nice to see that people will be getting their jobs back, nobody will be on layoff, new people and young blood will be coming into the building,” Galps said.

Timeline

It’s too early in the process, Stewart said, to put a firm date on the return of the third shift.

In the months leading up, work will be underway to prepare plant operations for the added production.

“They’ll make sure they have all the things they need in place in order to run three shifts and then ultimately get into hiring to accommodate the third shift,” Stewart said.

A positive change in direction at Windsor Assembly Plant has Stewart hopeful for another Stellantis plant up the 401.

Earlier this year, the company announced it was pausing work at Stellantis’ Brampton Assembly Plant.

“Brampton has a great workforce too, and we have to make sure we don’t take our eye off the ball there and make sure that Brampton gets the new product they need so that they’re in the same boat as Windsor,” Stewart added.