Audi Brussels employees will not receive a collective redundancy package, management announced on Wednesday.
"Unfortunately, the unions have rejected yet another improved proposal," said Peter D'hoore, spokesperson for the Brussels car factory. From late January, Audi will make individual offers to each employee.
"This means our very fair proposal from 12 December remains unchanged," D'hoore added. Management highlighted that the company is spending more than twice the legally required amount on the redundancy package.
Employees with 30 years of service will receive a total severance pay ranging from approximately €200,000 to €400,000 gross, depending on their role and salary.
Car tyres set up to resemble the Audi logo are set alight outside of the Audi Brussels plant, in Forest, Brussels, Monday 9 September 2024. Credit: Belga / Jonas Roosens
"With the eighth improved proposal, which would have been better for all employees, we made significant concessions to the unions," D'hoore continued. "It is therefore all the more incomprehensible that the unions have also rejected this proposal."
Audi will also provide further support to all employees. "This includes coaching offers and so-called 'outplacement services'. We are confident that employees will appreciate and accept the quality of the entire package. Audi will comprehensively inform employees about the individual offers," said the spokesperson.
Trade unions say they are hoping for "conciliation" at another round of negotiations soon.
"My intention now is to bring management back to the negotiating table through conciliation," Jan Baetens of ACV Metea told Belga News Agency. "The problem is not so much money, but rather elements that have already been 'negotiated' but have not yet been adjusted in the text."
'Very disappointing'
Factory director Thomas Bogus has expressed regret at the absence of a redundancy package.
"Even after the failed mediation talks before the Christmas holidays, we left no stone unturned in seeking a joint solution for the employees until the very last moment," he said. "It is absolutely incomprehensible to us that the unions have now rejected our eighth proposal. I personally find this very disappointing."
"We stand by our social responsibility. Our redundancy package – now to be offered to each employee individually – is absolutely fair and withstands all comparisons. All employees will have ample time to fully assess this proposal. I am confident they will come to the same conclusion and accept our offer."
Meanwhile, production at the Forest factory remains at a standstill. According to the management, it is unlikely to resume this week.
