As had been expected staff at the Audi car factory in the Brussels municipality of Vorst did not return to work on Wednesday morning. On Tuesday management at the factory announced that the Volkswagen Group would not be starting production of any new models at the factory. The unions believe that this decision spells the end for plant.
Normally production at Audi Brussels was due to recommence on Wednesday morning. However, Tuesday’s announcement by management sent shockwaves through the factory and among its staff. The unions fear that if no alternative is found the factory will close.
Franky De Schrijver of the socialist trade union ABVV told VRT News that "People don’t want to return to work while they have so many questions on their minds. That want greater clarity regarding the future of the factory”.
Audi Brussels' spokesman Peter D'Hoore says that closure of the factory isn’t necessarily on the cards.
"We are in talks with potential investers. These could include car builders. However, information concerning this will be given to the social partners (the unions) at a meeting of the Works Council”.
The unions hope that investors can be found. They will have to wait until the next Work’s Council meeting on 17 September to find out whether this is the case.
Restructuring
In June Audi Brussels announced that production of the electric Q8 e-tron model would be stopped and as a result there would be a far-reaching restructuring at the Brussels factory. 1,500 jobs are due to be lost this year with a further 1,100 due to be lost next year.