Protesters blocked access to the Audi factory in Forest again on Tuesday morning, according to Audi Brussels spokesperson Peter D’hoore.
The protesters are reportedly disgruntled employees of the factory’s subcontractors. Last Friday, subcontractor employees also blocked access to the Audi site. The factory is set to close permanently at the end of this month.
This closure will result in job losses at subcontractors like Imperial Logistics and Rhenus Logistics, which employ approximately 400 people.
These employees are demanding a social plan with higher compensation. D’hoore stated that the action began around 05:00, preventing Audi employees from entering the factory.
"Our employees were threatened with violence. We sent them home," he explained, adding that a gate was also forced open.
A job search information session for Audi staff was cancelled at the request of the police. A similar session was also halted on Friday. The police were called to the scene. "We are assessing our next steps," D’hoore said.
He acknowledged the emotional difficulty for subcontractor employees and expressed understanding.
"We find it important and correct to express one’s opinion publicly," he said. "However, we cannot accept violence as a form of expression. We appeal to everyone involved to remain calm and peaceful."
In late January, Audi Brussels’ management and trade unions reached an agreement on a social plan after months of negotiations.
Production of the Q8 e-tron resumed temporarily with only a morning shift and at a reduced pace.
