Approximately 1,700 workers on the new midnight shift exited the Stellantis Windsor Assembly Plant gates Tuesday morning, marking the first third shift since 2020. Employees expressed a mix of excitement, nervousness, optimism, and relaxation about the experience.
Smooth Start Despite Minor Hiccups
Jordyn White-Mailloux, a union representative for the third shift with 11 years at the plant, reported that everything proceeded well. “A couple bumps, but nothing that couldn’t be smoothed out,” she said.
The third shift returned following negotiations during the 2023 collective bargaining with Stellantis. Initially planned for late 2025, the launch faced delays from U.S. tariffs and slower electric vehicle market growth. Stellantis postponed it in May 2024 before confirming its start in early 2026 last September.
Positive Feedback from New Hires
New hire Branden Hartley praised the company, his colleagues, and team leader. “I think everyone did their part,” he stated regarding the shift.
White-Mailloux highlighted the appeal of the midnight hours: “Honestly, at midnight it’s great. Everyone at midnight loves midnights. I know a lot of people that are days that are trying to switch over to midnights because it’s just so chill.”
Temporary part-time worker Georgia LeBlanc, on her second shift and still in training, noted the challenges and energy swings: “There’s a period, like, at around 3 a.m. where you get, like, really zonked. But then, like right now, I feel like I could run a marathon.”
Union Leader Welcomes Job Boost
James Stewart, president of Unifor Local 444 representing Windsor plant workers, described the shift’s return as a welcome development amid industry pressures. “Stellantis has lived up to this commitment,” he said. “It’s exciting for the people that already work there, and it’s really exciting for the people that are walking in the plant for the first time.”
The expansion extends beyond the assembly plant, boosting demand at feeder facilities and creating additional jobs across the sector, Stewart added. He positioned Windsor favorably: “I have lots of conversations with people across the country and even across the border talking about the auto industry, and it seems Windsor is in the good news category. We are in a bit of a sweet spot right now.”
The shift’s sustainability hinges on demand for the plant’s key products: the Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Charger. Stewart remains optimistic, especially after the Windsor-built 2026 Charger earned Car of the Year at the January 2026 Detroit Auto Show.
