Conflict between Brussels Audi management and unions escalates

The conflict between management at Brussels’ Audi factory and unions has escalated after workers confiscated 200 car keys as a means of applying pressure, with management then closing the plant indefinitely in response.

Unions have since made clear they will return the keys, but workers are still angry, out of work and not receiving wages.

“The people here all have bills to pay, they have loans and children,” operator Joris Michiels, who has worked at the factory for 10 years, told Bruzz.

ACV Metea trade unionist Ronny Liedts says the factory management is clearly seeking conflict and flouting social dialogue, which is what prompted them to confiscate the keys.

“We had announced this step at the previous works council: if there is no clarity about the future we will do this,” added unionist Noureddin Hamdaoui (ABVV).

“But the management now wanted to quickly put the cars on a truck to Germany to finish them there. That's why we took the keys.”

Hamdaoui said the unions need those cars to negotiate and force the management to the table, but decided during a meeting to return them in the presence of a bailiff, alerting management of their intent via email.

Peter D'Hoore, a spokesperson for the factory, said that “that would already be a positive signal. If then our second condition – that the workers return to work normally – is also met, the factory can reopen.”

Still, there seems to be little hope for the long or even medium-term future of the plant. Some workers even said they have already decided not to return to work regardless of whether the option arises, with one explaining that “those bridges have been burnt”.

“We are here, but that's mostly symbolic,” said Rudi Druart, a 34-year veteran of the plant. “I don't think there is much left to save. The management gave us too much hope for too long, that was not fair.”

“You remain just a number [to management],” Hamdaoui agreed. “It's a shame, I have always done my best here. I was absent just three times in 15 years of working here.”

Departing labour minister Pierre-Yves Dermagne (PS) is calling on unions and management to make an effort for constructive dialogue, saying that “right now, the main thing is to give all chances to social consultation”.

MP Nathalie Muylle (CD&V) wants to appoint a social mediator that can monitor the situation closely and intervene effectively when all other procedures within the joint committees are deadlocked, at the request of the parties, on their own initiative or at the direction of the relevant minister.

Photo: Jonas Roosens/Belga