- Workers at Audi’s Brussels plant threaten arbitration over the possible closure due to weak demand for the Q8 e-tron and high operating costs.
- Employees have staged protests, including setting fire to tires in the shape of the Audi logo, demanding clarity on the factory’s future.
- The factory employs around 3,000 workers, with production halting since July 2023.
Brussels, 9 September (FinanceFlashNews) – The union representing workers at the Audi Brussels plant is threatening arbitration proceedings, as the facility faces potential closure due to declining demand for the Q8 e-tron electric SUV. Tensions have escalated since Volkswagen, Audi’s parent company, announced in July that it may shutter the plant due to high operational costs and weak demand, according to reports by DPA and Belga.
The factory’s production lines have been idle since July when management revealed its restructuring plans. Production of the Q8 e-tron, which began in 2022, was initially planned to continue until 2027, but early termination is now being considered. Despite the uncertainty, Volkswagen has stated that no final decision has been made, and alternatives are being explored for the 3,000 employees at the plant.
Adding to the workers’ concerns, Volkswagen recently announced that no new model would be produced at the Brussels plant in the coming years. In response, some employees have resorted to taking drastic actions, including stealing keys to about 200 vehicles in an attempt to pressure management for clarity on the factory’s future. Workers declared that no vehicles would leave the plant until further notice.
As a result, Audi’s management has decided to shut down the factory temporarily and halt payments to employees. They also threatened to press criminal charges. On Monday, several dozen protesters gathered outside the factory.
Ronny Liedts, spokesperson for the ACV Metea union, expressed frustration, claiming that the closure violated social dialogue rules. Liedts threatened legal action, as employees are no longer receiving their wages.
Keywords: Audi Brussels, Volkswagen, Q8 e-tron, arbitration, worker protests
