More than 5,000 people gathered in Brussels in support of the Audi factory employees and their subcontractors, calling for an ambitious European industrial policy to defend jobs on the continent. The anger sparked by Audi’s restructuring in Brussels has spread throughout the automotive industry, with Volkswagen also announcing closures in Germany due to international competition. Demonstrators are pushing for the European Union to implement industrial policies that address the challenges facing workers in the industry, such as declining passenger car sales and the rise of Chinese electric cars.
The demonstrators believe that a European-wide strategy is necessary to address issues like high energy costs and the lack of investment by big brands in areas like electrification in the car industry. They are calling for an industrial plan that will secure the future of jobs in Europe and prevent further decline in the sector. Many employees like Robin Tonniau, a Belgian MP and former Audi plant worker, are concerned about the lack of action on reindustrialisation in Europe, despite promises made in the past.
The rally is also happening at a critical moment in European political life, as the EU’s new institutional teams are being established and the European trade union world is working to make its voice heard in the early stages of the new mandate. Workers like Maurizio Reggia from Italy’s FIOM union are advocating for policies that address the challenges facing employees in the automotive industry and ensure that workers have a secure future. The demonstrators are united in their call for a European response to the challenges posed by international competition and the changing market dynamics in the automotive industry.
Despite the uncertainties facing the automotive sector and the challenges posed by the restructuring of major companies like Audi and Volkswagen, the demonstrators remain hopeful that a coordinated European response can help preserve jobs and ensure a strong industrial base on the continent. The call for industrial policies that support workers and prioritize investment in critical areas like electrification reflects the concerns of employees who see the need for a more proactive approach to ensure the future of their jobs. By coming together at this rally, workers from different countries are sending a strong message to European policymakers about the urgent need for action to defend and strengthen Europe’s industrial sector.
This demonstration in Brussels highlights the growing concerns among workers in the automotive industry about the future of their jobs and the broader challenges facing Europe’s industrial sector. The call for an ambitious European industrial policy reflects a desire for coordinated action to address the issues threatening jobs and industry competitiveness. Workers from different countries are united in their demand for a comprehensive response to the challenges posed by international competition, declining sales, and the need for increased investment in critical areas like electrification. The rally underscores the importance of solidarity and collective action in advocating for policies that protect jobs and support the long-term sustainability of the European industrial sector.
The rally in Brussels also serves as a reminder of the importance of worker solidarity in pushing for change and advocating for policies that prioritize the interests of employees in the automotive industry and beyond. The voices of workers like Brigitte Peters, an Audi employee, reflect the concerns of many in the sector who fear being impacted by restructuring and international competition. The demonstration at this critical moment in European political life signals a growing awareness of the need for a robust industrial policy that safeguards jobs and supports workers in the face of ongoing challenges. As the new EU institutional teams are established, the European trade union world is working to ensure that workers’ voices are heard and their concerns addressed in the development of policies that shape the future of Europe’s industrial sector.
