Audi's factory in Brussels may resume operations next week, after the future of the plant and over 3,000 jobs were thrown into uncertainty earlier this summer.
Initially, operations were scheduled to resume this week, but as reported by Belga News Agency, company spokesperson Peter D'Hoore confirmed that Audi "might restart next week."
In the meantime, trade unionists are expected to gather outside the plant today for a general assembly. On Thursday, talks will continue between Audi Brussels management and employee representatives about the looming threat of layoffs.
In July, Audi Brussels officially announced plans to restructure the site in Forest, which currently employs more than 3,000 people. The company cited a slowdown in demand for the electric Q8 e-tron models produced in Brussels, as well as "long-standing structural challenges" with the site.
The company stressed that no final decision has been made yet, but it is considering options for the Audi Brussels site. Alternatives include manufacturing a new model at the site, manufacturing spare parts for other factories, or outside investments.
Closure still a possibility
However, the company hasn't ruled out closure. If Audi chooses to close the plant, around 1,500 jobs could be lost as soon as October, with more than 1,100 additional redundancies next year. The final layoffs could happen at the end of 2025.
If the Audi site in Brussels does close, it would be another blow for Belgium's once booming automotive industry, and Volvo's site in Ghent would be the only large car factory left in the country.
The factory's assembly lines have been shut for several weeks, and while company officials have indicated that work may resume next week, the precise reopening date will be discussed at Thursday's extraordinary company council meeting.
As well as gathering outside the Brussels plant on Tuesday morning, unions are also due to meet with the Brussels Minister of Employment and Vocational Training, Bernard Clerfayt, to "review the situation of workers directly affected by the announced restructuring."
