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GM Intervenes in Opel's Antwerp Case

Opel and its new owner Magna International are getting ready to start talks with European unions regarding the job cuts to be introduced after the Canadian - Austrian partsmaker completes the takeover deal. One of the measures will be, according to some sources, the closure of the Belgium plant in Antwerp, despite the protests coming from both the local and the overseas workers.

As a result, General Motors today announced that it will form a group of representatives to discuss this special case and make a decision on the matter in the near future. Obviously, GM hasn't provided too many details on the matter but sounded confident that a quick solution would lead to a successful resolution of the matter.

"We will naturally examine once again all options for Antwerp and see if there is still a possibility (to keep it open),"
GM Europe President Carl-Peter Forster said according to Reuters.

GM CEO Fritz Henderson confirmed at the Frankfurt Auto Show that the plant in Belgium is a special case and confirmed the factory is at risk. However, he hasn't mentioned whether Opel's new owner intends to close the factory or only cut workforce at the plant.

"That plant has been under evaluation for some time; no final decision has been taken. But it's certainly at risk," he said.

Meanwhile, Opel workers across the continent are still protesting against Magna's announced job cuts. In Spain for instance, employees at the local plant marched together with business owners and politicians last weekend. Furthermore, workers at the German plants said they are ready to travel aboard to support their Belgian colleagues in case the Canadian owner shuts down the facility.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
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Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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