The rally held in Brussels on Monday, initially organized in solidarity with Audi employees, evolved into a call for action to preserve Europe’s industrial sector. More than 5,000 people gathered to support the Audi factory workers and demand an ambitious European industrial policy to protect jobs on the continent.
The anger sparked by Audi’s restructuring announcement in July has now spread beyond the company to other manufacturers in the sector, including Volkswagen. With the automotive industry facing challenges such as declining sales and the emergence of Chinese electric cars, demonstrators stressed the need for a European response.
Representatives from various European countries, such as Maurizio Reggia from Italy, emphasized the importance of European industrial policies to address the challenges facing workers and the industry as a whole. They called for a more global strategy and an industrial plan to secure future job opportunities in the sector.
The rally also highlighted concerns about the lack of investment by major car brands in areas like electrification, leading to cost-cutting measures that impact workers. Participants questioned the progress of European reindustrialization efforts and expressed uncertainty about the region’s ability to compete in the international market.
The demonstration coincided with the establishment of new EU institutional teams and marked the trade union world’s efforts to advocate for workers’ interests at the beginning of this political mandate. The call for a united European approach to industrial challenges signals a collective effort to safeguard jobs and competitiveness in the continent’s industrial sector.
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