Train manufacturer Alstom plans to cut 150 jobs at Bruges plant

French train manufacturer Alstom plans to cut 150 jobs at its Bruges site. The company announced the intention on Thursday after a special works council. The job reductions would take effect from mid-2026 at the earliest.

During the meeting, management presented its plan for an "organisational adjustment". This launches the information and consultation procedure under the Renault law, which may lead to a final decision.

A review will examine how the company can redeploy as many employees as possible within the group. "Alstom will engage in a constructive dialogue with staff representatives and ensure that all legal and social obligations are met," the company said.

Earlier this year, Alstom missed out on a major SNCB order, which went instead to Spanish manufacturer CAF. Trade unions had already warned that the loss of the contract could lead to job cuts in Bruges, or even signal the closure of the entire site. The company did secure an order from Eurostar in October, but decided the Bruges plant would not be involved in building the trains.

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As an explanation for the cuts, Alstom said it needs to "adapt to market realities and adjust its resources accordingly". The Bruges facility employs 585 people, including 487 permanent staff and 98 temporary workers. The company said the Charleroi site will not be affected.

Employers' organization Agoria Flanders said it was "painful to see yet another Flemish manufacturing company affected". General manager Jolyce Demely noted that Flemish industry lost 6,500 jobs last year. "We cannot afford to lose even more technical talent, especially since every job lost in the industry also affects other jobs indirectly."

Agoria Flanders wants to support the affected employees and pointed to the many technical vacancies still open. Demand for technical profiles remains high, Demely said, and Agoria intends to work actively to help match workers with "companies that urgently need new staff today".

^{#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR}

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