Workers at Audi are returning to work amidst fears over their future and anger at company management. Volkswagen, which owns Audi, recently announced that no new vehicle model will be assigned to Audi Brussels, threatening the long-term viability of the factory.
The workforce was due to return incrementally, with some 700 individuals from the bodywork department due to return to the Forest factory on Wednesday, according to the company’s spokesperson Peter D’hoore. But anger about the lack of clarity has stopped the first team of employees from returning.
Trade union representative, Franky De Schrijver, explained the impact this will have on the factory resuming work: “If this unit cannot start, the rest cannot follow." He expects operations to be held up, potentially closing the factory for the coming days. Audi had planned for employees in the paint department to return to work on Thursday and for all 3,000 staff members to be working by Friday.
“Production will recommence in several phases as we need to replenish supplies, which were depleted before the break. We will firstly restart the bodywork and paint divisions. Only by Friday will vehicle assembly recommence,” D'hoore clarified.
The production of the AUDI e-tron pictured during a celebration of the production of the 8 millionth car at the Audi Brussels plant, in Forest, Brussels, Wednesday 10 November 2021. Credit: Belga
It now seems that this restart strategy will not go to plan, as Tuesday's announcement that no new models have been assigned to the Brussels plant has significantly dampened hopes for the factory’s future. Trade unions expect a strong pushback and have not ruled out spontaneous protests. Pascal Debrulle of the FGTB union anticipates: “The workers won’t accept returning under these conditions.”
Likewise, subcontractors, impacted by the situation and also scheduled to return to work on Wednesday following a period of economic layoff, might express their anger. “Their discontent is likely to be even stronger,” warns the CNE trade union delegate Ludovic Pineur.
In any case, production is set to slow down with the company expecting to produce just 7,000 Q8 e-Tron SUVs by the end of the year, operating with only two teams at a pace of fifteen cars per hour.
A press moment at the start of production of the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron at the Brussels plant in 2022. Credit: Belga
On 9 July, just before the company-wide closure for several weeks, Audi’s management announced their plans to restructure the Brussels factory, putting nearly 3,000 jobs at risk. Management of the plant have said that closure isn’t imminent and they are exploring several options, including procurement of investors or establishing alternative production.
ACV Secretary Jan Baetens urged the management to quickly clarify what alternatives might be in store for the factory. "The next works council is scheduled for the 17 September but it is better to act as soon as possible for Audi’s workers and dozens of subcontractors," he said. Failure to do so,he argued, would not retain "at least half of the 3,000 workers".
Forest factory spokesperson Peter D'hoore confirmed that morning shift employees reported at their divisions on Wednesday and were greeted by their superiors. "We understand people have questions, and we are now informing (them) in small groups," D'hoore told Belga. He indicated that some non-production auxiliary services employees resumed their duties Wednesday morning.
