Audi's decision to pay employees severance directly sparks controversy

After deciding to close its Brussels plant, Audi chose to pay employees severance pay directly instead of through the union. This practice has aroused strong dissatisfaction from local union representatives and politicians. Belgian Labor Minister Pierre-Yves Demagne called on both sides to return to the negotiating table. Audi said that in addition to the statutory dismissal protection costs, it will also pay additional severance pay based on the employee's years of service. For example, an employee who has worked for 17 years will receive 125,000 to 190,000 euros in severance pay. In general, Audi's spending on severance pay is more than twice the legal requirement.