Management of Audi Brussels called in the police after workers protested the rejection of their counter-proposal, demanding “fair compensation” as the plant’s closure puts thousands of jobs at risk.
Negotiations between union representatives and Audi Brussels management were interrupted on Wednesday when police were called in after workers entered the meeting room in protest.
Employees say they put forward a counter-proposal for the company’s social plan, but after it was turned down, they entered the meeting room to “peacefully express their frustration.”
Management then called the police to remove them from the premises. Belgian police arrived equipped with batons, helmets, and shields.
“We were hit by the police. We’ve got video evidence,” said one worker.
“Is this really Belgium? Beating up Belgian workers?” shouted another.
A third added, “When there are barriers and we’re inside, we’re the ones trapped. So who’s locking up whom?”
Giuseppe Mezzatesta, an Audi Brussels employee, claimed: “They barged in like cowboys, hitting us with batons. Colleagues were struck with truncheons.”
Unions criticise management’s actions
Ludovic Pineur, Permanent Secretary of CNE Industrie, condemned the decision to involve the police, stressing that the workers had hoped for answers without resorting to violence.
“There was clear dissatisfaction, but it was entirely peaceful. Despite this, management chose to call in a heavy police presence without any real need,” he said.
Grégory Dascotte, Permanent Secretary of FGTB, criticised the way negotiations were handled: “This isn’t how you conduct peaceful talks. Workers are simply asking for a fair social plan. We’re talking about 3,000 employees here and another 1,000 at other sites. All they’re asking for is proper compensation for the work they’ve done.”
The dispute centres on the social plan related to the planned closure of the Audi Brussels plant at the end of February, which will leave thousands of workers unemployed.
Protests and negotiations have been ongoing, but an agreement has yet to be reached.
