BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Trade unions want to initiate arbitration proceedings in the conflict over the Audi plant in Brussels, which is threatened with closure. This was reported by the Belgian news agency Belga, citing the ABVV trade union. There is a fierce conflict at the Bavarian car manufacturer's Brussels plant due to the impending closure. On Monday morning, workers set fire to four tires that form the rings of the Audi logo. The union said that efforts were now being made to make amends.

Audi announced in July that the closure of the plant in Brussels could not be ruled out. The reason given was the weak demand for the Q8 e-tron electric SUVs produced at the plant. Around 3,000 people were recently employed at the site. Their concerns were further exacerbated last week when Audi parent company Volkswagen announced that no other model would be produced in Brussels in the coming years.

In the dispute, employees stole the keys to around 200 vehicles. They wanted to force the management to clarify the future of the site, as the Belgian news agency Belga reported. As long as this does not happen, no car will leave the plant. In return, the management decided to close the plant and stop paying the employees. It also threatened to press criminal charges./rdz/DP/stk