Industry: Auto problems

The European auto industry is facing significant hurdles, with major players like VW and Stellantis struggling amidst declining sales and competitive pressures. The closure of Audi Brussels plant impacts 3,000 direct employees

Why it matters: This crisis affects thousands of workers, particularly at Audi’s Brussels plant, and could set a precedent for future negotiations across Europe.

• The closure of the Audi plant impacts 3,000 direct employees and countless others in the supply chain.
• Unions are pushing back against management’s severance offers, highlighting broader labor tensions.

Details: VW’s job security agreement changes and the pressure from Chinese car markets are compounding the industry’s challenges.

HRPG Europe says:  The role of European Works Councils (EWCs) in seeking injunctions could create legal complexities. If this were to happen the VW EWC would do so on Audi in Brussels because clearly what happens in Brussels will have potential, transnational implications. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

CNBC report on VW scrapping labour agreements 

See this from IndustriAll Europe