Audi Brussels not assigned any new models by Audi and Volkswagen
Audi Brussels faces a bleak future as the company confirmed it will not be assigned any new car models by Audi or the Volkswagen Group, raising concerns about the factory's continued operations. The management shared this news during a recent works council meeting, prompting fears among the workforce. "This means a closure of the factory," the unions warned after the meeting.
The management's announcement indicated that no car projects or production volumes are planned for the Brussels plant in the coming years, which was further confirmed by Peter D'hoore, spokesperson for Audi Brussels. "After intensive analysis, it is again confirmed that no vehicle from the Volkswagen Group will be assigned to the factory," he stated.
Trade unions explore options
"It is now very clear that there will be no new model," said Trade unionist Ronny Liedts (ACV-Metea). The unions are now exploring two remaining options: attracting investors, such as another car manufacturer taking over the site, or pursuing alternative production, like manufacturing parts for another assembly plant.
However, the unions remain sceptical about these alternatives. Liedts notes, "If, for example, we were to switch to battery assembly, that would mean work for 300 people. That is ten per cent of the current workforce. Thousands of people would lose their jobs. That is not an alternative for us and would, in fact, amount to a closure. An alternative for us is when at least half of the people can stay on board."
Chamber meeting
In response to the situation, N-VA MP Axel Ronse is advocating for an extra meeting of the Social Affairs and Employment Committee in the Chamber. He argued, "Either the site will be used for the production of other vehicles, or another car manufacturer will have to be brought in for similar activities."
Committee chairman Denis Ducarme (MR) also confirmed that contacts have been made with the unions regarding a visit to the Audi Brussels site in Vorst by a delegation of federal parliamentarians. Ducarme stated that the first priority is to organise this visit as soon as possible, a plan that was initially agreed upon during a committee meeting in July. He added that after the site visit, the committee could consider convening an additional meeting to discuss the factory's future further.
Resuming production
Meanwhile, production at Audi Brussels, which has been at a standstill since early July, is set to gradually resume. Starting Wednesday, the factory will begin operations at 6:00, working in two shifts. The bodywork department will restart first, followed by the paint shop on Thursday. Assembly and battery production will resume on Friday, with the goal of having the factory fully operational again by the end of the week.
Despite these plans, the unions remain uncertain whether all employees will return to work on Wednesday, given the discouraging news. However, the unions have decided not to call for strikes at this time, stating, "We are very deliberately not taking a position."
In addition to the ongoing discussions about the factory's future, the unions were informed of a significant leadership change. Factory director Volker Germann will be leaving Audi Brussels and will be succeeded by Thomas Bogus, a change that the company confirmed in a press release.
Audi Brussels employees are also planning a demonstration in the capital on 16 September. This protest will not only focus on the future of Audi but also address broader concerns about the future of the automotive industry in Belgium. The factory currently employs around 3,000 people, many of whom now face an uncertain future as the company and government officials explore potential solutions.
Entrance of the Audi Brussels plant, in Vorst-Forest, Brussels©BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE
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