dw.com
Audi Brussels Plant Closure Sparks Violent Protests
The closure of the Audi Brussels plant leads to violent protests and negotiations for compensation for 3,000 workers.
Greek
Germany
Germany European UnionLabour MarketProtestNegotiationsLaborAutomotiveFactory
AudiVolkswagenCne IndustrieFgtb
Ludovic PineraGregory Dascotte
- What are the workers' main demands?
- The last potential investor withdrew their interest, ending hopes of saving the plant. The search for alternative investors is now concluded.
- How have the unions responded to the situation?
- Union representatives are critical of the management's handling of the situation, stating that workers are simply demanding fair compensation packages for job losses affecting 3,000 workers and 1000 more in supplier companies.
- What is the main reason for the closure of the Audi Brussels plant?
- The Audi Brussels plant will close at the end of March, resulting in 3,000 job losses. Negotiations for compensation packages have been accompanied by violent protests and police intervention.
- What events took place during the negotiations between management and workers?
- The plant's closure is due to disappointing sales of the Q8 e-tron electric SUV and high supply costs due to its location. The parent company, Volkswagen, is implementing a cost-cutting program.
- What is the current status of attempts to find an investor to take over the plant?
- Protests escalated when approximately 150 masked individuals disrupted negotiations, leading to police intervention. Workers accused police of excessive force and injuring union representatives.