In a striking turn of events in Windsor, Ontario, the city's largest auto plant, Stellantis, has declared a two-week shutdown due to the impending 25 percent tariff on vehicles assembled outside the U.S. This decision, announced just hours before the tariffs took effect, is set to impact approximately 3,600 workers from the Unifor union.
The announcement followed U.S. President Trump's tariff declarations, which had long been anticipated to create strain on the local automotive industry. Despite expectations that such disruptions would manifest over a longer timeline, the reality hit quickly, leaving many local workers uncertain about their immediate future.
Meanwhile, on the streets of Windsor, the mood was mixed. While fans donned Detroit Tigers apparel outside City Hall, ready to cheer on their team in the season opener, news of the plant's cessation hung heavily in the air. Analysts and industry insiders have warned of the potential repercussions of the tariffs, but the speed at which they have begun to affect local operations has caught many off guard.
As Windsor awaits further developments, local officials and affected workers are left grappling with the implications of these trade policies on the auto manufacturing sector and the broader economy in Canada.
