German carmaker Audi will cease production at its Brussels plant in Vorst on 28 February 2025. It had been clear for some time that the management planned to end production, but unions have been pressing for a clear date for weeks now. The management has also promised that there will be no redundancies in 2024 and is continuing its search for a buyer.
‘This is important news for the workforce,’ explains Ronny Liedts of the Christian ACV-metea union. ‘Now people finally know when they can start working for another employer.’
‘Of course, this is not good news,’ adds Franky De Schrijver of the socialist ABVV union. ‘The end date is now known, but it still comes sooner than expected.’
A social plan is still being negotiated. That should be finalised as soon as possible, says Mr Liedts. ‘People want to know what all this means for them financially. There should be news as soon as possible.’ Mr De Schrijver notes that the two sides are still ‘quite far apart’.
Only one potential buyer
Ronny Liedts is satisfied the management is still trying to find a buyer for the plant. ‘Of the 10 possible investors who originally applied, one party is still interested,’ he says.
According to Audi spokesman D'hoore, it's a company from the ‘bus and truck sector’. He cannot share more information.’
Mr Liedts is not aware of the identity of the potential buyer and has no idea how many jobs could be saved. He speaks of a ‘small ray of hope’ for the staff at the Audi plant. ‘Of course, this could also turn out to be nothing. It wouldn't be the first time we have been disappointed. But it is great that the search has not yet been abandoned.’
A new works council is scheduled for 12 November, in two weeks’ time, but the unions hope there will already be more clarity next week.