Audi Brussels unions: “Deep breach of trust with management”

Since the management was removed by the police on Wednesday after being held by employees in a meeting room with the unions, the unions have not heard anything anymore, they denounced in a press release on Friday. The unions are talking about a “deep breakdown in trust”.

The management of Audi Brussels had condemned the “protest by employees that led to violence” on Wednesday evening. However, the unions denied on Friday that there was any violence. “The unions regret the tenor of the Audi management that unilaterally points to ‘the aggressive behavior of the Audi employees’,” it said.

“It is true that employees protested loudly after they were informed of the arrogant attitude of management to the union’s proposed social plan,” the unions said. “But we make it very clear that apart from some shouting and noise, no violence was involved. (…) In our view, at no time was there any real danger to the negotiators in the meeting room.”

The unions say that at no time did they ask to be dismissed. “It previously seemed that the removal of the management was well prepared and was part of its strategy. As trade unions, we are shocked by the disproportionate use of force by the police towards peaceful workers. (…) Such actions by the Audi management are detrimental to the negotiations and cause a deep breach in confidence.”