Union actions planned after Audi Brussels closure talks collapse

Negotiations between Audi Brussels’ management and trade unions over a social plan for 3,000 employees have ended without agreement. The plant’s closure, scheduled for 28 February 2025, leaves the future uncertain for workers. Unions plan strikes next week.

Efforts to mediate between Audi Brussels’ management and trade unions have failed, according to Audi Brussels spokesperson Peter D’hoore. A final meeting held with a mediator from Belgium’s Federal Public Service for Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue yielded no results. “Our fair offer remains unchanged”, D’hoore stated. The car plant expressed confidence that employees will ultimately accept the terms.

Last week, the unions rejected the company’s sixth proposal. Management has since announced plans to approach employees directly with severance packages, which include an additional company bonus calculated based on seniority. The total budget for severance and bonuses is reportedly double the legal minimum.

Planned strikes

Unions, however, dismissed the offer as insufficient and heavily conditional. They criticised the exclusion of long-term sick employees from the extra bonus, which they called discriminatory. They also expressed frustration over the lack of room for negotiation and accused the management of a “take-it-or-leave-it” approach.

In response, unions have called on workers to mobilise on Monday 23 December to protest the stalled negotiations and demand better terms.

Struggling European carmakers

Audi Brussels, located in Vorst-Forest, announced in October that it would cease operations on 28 February 2025, after failing to secure a buyer for the plant. Negotiations over a social plan began in November but have been marked by conflict and slow progress. The closure affects approximately 3,000 employees. 

Belgium’s struggling car industry is indicative of a wider European trend. Volkswagen, for example, the largest carmaker by sales, is also facing strikes in response to its plan to close factories in Germany and cut wages. Car sales have been plunging across the continent as demand is shrinking and competition (particularly from China) is intensifying. 

^{Audi workers are seen in front of the Audi car plant in Vorst-Forest, Brussels © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE}