Tensions are mounting at the Audi Brussels plant in Forest, as trade unions announced plans to take the automaker to court following an unsuccessful meeting with management on Wednesday.
The unions are contesting what they call a “lockout” of workers from the site, which has remained largely inactive for nearly two months. Employees have been left unpaid and without clear information about the future of the factory, sparking growing unrest.
The Brussels site, which employs around 3,000 people directly and thousands more through its operations, has been embroiled in uncertainty since Audi Brussels announced restructuring plans in July.
If a buyer is not found, the plant could see 1,500 job losses as early as October, with an additional 1,100 redundancies expected next year. The complete closure could happen by the end of 2025.
Workers Left in Limbo
According to Najar Lahouari, President of the Federation of Brabant Metalworkers (FGTB), workers are deeply concerned about the plant’s future.
Speaking to The Brussels Times, Lahouari expressed the frustration felt by many: “Management tells us they are in discussion with several investors, but we have 4,000 workers here in total, including those indirectly employed by Audi’s activities in Brussels. Are the investors ready to take on 4,000 people?”
He added that workers are not on strike but have been locked out of the factory by management, leaving them unable to work or receive pay. Unions have announced they will legally challenge the lockout and pursue mediation through a social conciliation process.
Failed Negotiations
The latest meeting between Audi Brussels management and union leaders, held at the Federal Department for Economy and Employment, made little progress in resolving the deadlock.
Audi management had expressed hopes that production could resume “normally” by Thursday, but unions dismissed this as “unrealistic,” advocating for a gradual return to operations instead.
Pierre-Yves Dermagne, Belgium’s Economy and Employment Minister, declined to comment on the outcome of the meeting, stating that his department wanted to “give as much chance as possible for consultation.”
Seized Car Keys Returned
Adding to the ongoing dispute, workers last week seized the keys to 200 newly produced vehicles, demanding clearer communication about the company’s future.
However, in a show of goodwill, the unions returned the keys to management on Tuesday, signaling their willingness to engage in further dialogue.
“We decided to give back the 200 keys, so this problem about the keys is forgotten by us and by the management,” said Lahouari.
Upcoming Parliamentary Visit and Demonstration
Meanwhile, Belgian MPs are set to visit the Audi Brussels plant on September 18, following pressure from the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PTB).
MP Nabil Boukili of the PTB emphasized the importance of hearing directly from workers, stating that “those who know the production line best will be able to tell us about their workplace and the need to keep it open.”
In addition to the parliamentary visit, a national cross-sector demonstration is planned for September 16 in Brussels. Thousands are expected to march, with trade unions calling on EU regulators to protect European industry.
The demonstration will begin at Brussels-North Station and conclude at Luxembourg Square, where union leaders will deliver speeches.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
