Brussels (The Brussels morning newspaper): Audi Brussels workers strike over uncertainty about factory’s future after Q8 e-tron production halt, 2,600 job cuts planned, unions hopeful investors can be found to save the plant.
Audi Brussels was supposed to start production again on Wednesday, but a surprising announcement by management on Tuesday has caused concern among the factory staff and unions. The unions are worried that if no solution is found, the factory might have to shut down. Franky De Schriver from the AB socialist trade union said to VRT News that workers are hesitant to go back to work because they have many uncertainties. They are seeking more information about the future of the factory.
Will Audi Brussels factory find investors to stay open?
“Peter D’Hoore, an Audi Brussels spokesperson, said that closing the factory is not necessarily being considered at this time. “We are in talks with probable investors, including car manufacturers. But this will be disclosed to unions during a Works Council meeting.” “We have started the process of discussions with likely investment candidates. Some may also include automobile producers. However, details on this will be communicated to our social partners (the unions) in a Works Council discussion.
Unions are optimistic that investors can be found, but they will have to wait for the next Works Council meeting due on 17 September to see if this expectation will be realized. In June, Audi Brussels announced that it will stop producing the electric Q8 e-tron model, which led to massive restructuring at the Brussels plant. As a result of this decision, 1,500 jobs will be lost this year and a further 1,100 will go next year.
