Workers and unions will take to the streets of Brussels on Monday to draw attention to Belgium's ailing automobile industry. Employers organisations have warned that the demonstration will "further damage" Belgium's image in the eyes of international companies and investors.
Tensions have been running high as the future of Audi Brussels remains unclear. Some 3,000 jobs are threatened by the potential closure of the car factory in Forest, prompting unions to plan a strike and national day of demonstration in solidarity with Audi workers.
Organised by CSC, FGTB and CGSLB, and supported by other European trade unions, on Monday 16 September workers will call for "reindustrialisation" policies to protect and promote local industries and jobs in Belgium.
The unions have highlighted that "many big names in Belgian industry are closing up in 2024", citing the situation in Audi Brussels as well as mass redundancies earlier this year when Belgian bus-maker Van Hool went bankrupt.
Not the time for protests
A number of Belgian employer organisations (Agoria, Essenscia, Fedustria, Fevia and Indufed) have warned in an open letter that Monday's demonstration will cause "tens of millions of euros in economic damage" by scaring off foreign investors.
The employer organisations acknowledge the "turbulent and tough times" for companies currently, with Belgian and European "industrial icons struggling to stay afloat". They highlight the "existential" challenges facing the European economy which were outlined this week by the landmark Draghi report.
However, the letter warns that the national strike and demonstration "sends a negative signal" to investors.
"In the storm we are currently facing, we need all hands on deck. This is not the time for protests against our companies, but rather for them. Causing tens of millions of euros in economic damage with a strike and a day of action now is shooting ourselves in the foot. It further damages our country's attractiveness on the international stage," the letter reads.
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Employer organisations warn that investors and trade partners around the world are "watching closely to see how often work is halted and how significant the impact on their investments might be".
"Let there be no misunderstanding: this open letter is not a jab at unions or those who fear losing their jobs—on the contrary. We fully share the legitimate concerns about our jobs, well-being, and prosperity," they say, making a "call for co-operation" between unions, employers and policymakers to help strengthen industry in Belgium.
