Unions Reticent on Antwerp Live-Saving Plan

Yesterday it has emerged that Belgian unions are working on a life-saving plan that could keep the Antwerp plant open, despite GM's intentions to shut down the facility. And although some rumors were claiming that labor representatives are aiming to rely on an outside investor that could pour money into the plant, unions are still silent when it comes to these proposals.

However, Opel is still keen on its initial plans and says the closing process will be continued according to the schedule.

"This intent has not changed," Opel said in a statement according to just-auto.com. "Yesterday, employee representatives put forward a new proposal for the future of the plant. We will examine this proposal. However, it is our belief that the best solution is to find a third party investor after a social plan for all employees in the Antwerp plant has been agreed upon."

However, Opel officials will continue to collaborate with union representatives and study the proposal.

"Until the evaluation has been concluded and a decision has been made, we will not speculate on individual aspects and the overall feasibility of this proposal," the company said.

General Motors confirmed in January that it will close the Antwerp production plant as the "necessary next step in rebuilding Opel". This basically means that more than 2,500 employees will lose their jobs.

“We fully understand the effect this announcement has on the Antwerp employees and their families and we sympathize with them,” said Opel CEO Nick Reilly back in January when announcing the decision to close Antwerp.