Brussels, September 17: Audi layoffs have reportedly led the trade unions and workers to band together to start a protest against the automaker. The German automobile company Audi is facing a mass protest by the workers in Brussels amid the fear of 3,000 potential job losses at Audi's Forest plant. The workers have started this protest to address the widespread decline in the industry. The unions and workers gathered to protest against the possible layoffs at the car factory in Brussels, capital of Belgium.

According to a report by CNBCTV18, the disgruntled employees began their protest when the German automaker announced that it was considering restructuring its operations in its Forest plant in southern Brussels. This announcement triggered unrest among the workers, who thought it would endanger nearly 3,000 jobs at the plant. Volkswagen Layoffs: German Automaker VW Quits Labour Agreement, Opening Door for Job Cuts Amid Slumping Sales and Rising Costs.

Workers Protesting Against Possibly Audi Layoffs 

Workers' Mass Protest in Brussels Over Potential Layoffs at Audi's Forest Plant

Belgium's Brussel Crowded With Protesters Against Audi Layoffs

Layoffs Likely Coming to Audi's Forest Plant, Workers Protest Against It in Brussels

The staff at Brussels' Forest plant includes a wide range of people, including experts in electronic vehicle manufacturing. Lieve De Preter, an ACV union representative, highlighted the situation of the fear surrounding the potential Audi layoffs. He said it was not an isolated case, as there has been a tide over the past year that has affected major Belgium-based industries.

The report said that the workers involved in the protest demanded better coordination across 27 nations in the European Union. The protest also focused on the employees who run the businesses; several videos surfaced online suggesting that it was a massive protest on the streets of Brussels. Workers carried placards and demanded the company to pay attention. Boeing Layoffs: US-Based Aeroplane-Maker Temporarily Lays Off Employees To Save Costs Amid Strike Involving 30,000 Workers.

According to police, around 5,500 people joined the protest. The European Trade Union Confederation said Audi's decision was part of a more significant trend witnessed in Europe between 2019 and 2023, which caused the region to lose 8.5 lakh jobs. ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch said that the EU leaders were not doing enough to support the industries, as thousands feared losing their jobs.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 17, 2024 03:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).