Volvo Gent Production Halted as Supplier Strike Continues, 4,500 Workers Unemployed

Production at Volvo Gent remains at a standstill, impacting approximately 4,500 workers who have been placed on economic unemployment. The disruption stems from an ongoing strike at Volvo's supplier, Plasman, which has failed to reach an agreement with unions.

Reconciliation efforts, facilitated by the federal employment service, lasted for hours but ultimately did not yield a resolution. "We did not reach an agreement after hours of negotiation," a union representative stated. "Consequently, the strike continues, awaiting an initiative from the employer side."

The strike has significantly disrupted Volvo Gent's production schedule. The automaker had to halt final assembly on Tuesday due to a lack of deliveries. By Wednesday evening, Volvo announced that the morning shift on Thursday would also not commence, marking the cancellation of five shifts in total.

The duration of the economic unemployment for Volvo workers is uncertain. A swift resumption of production appears unlikely while the dispute at Plasman remains unresolved. This situation increases the likelihood of more Volvo employees facing temporary unemployment and the extension of economic layoff measures. Plasman, which produces parts like bumpers for Volvo Cars Gent and BMW, employs around 350 people at its Ghent facility. The strike began after it became clear that an anticipated new order from Volvo would not go to the Ghent plant, a development the unions view as a significant blow to the site's future prospects.

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We did not reach an agreement after hours of negotiation. Consequently, the strike continues, awaiting an initiative from the employer side.