General Motors’ European Employee Forum (EEF) along with the European Metalworkers’ Federation and the Opel/Vauxhall European Unions and Works Councils are continuing to voice their opposition to plans to close the Antwerp car assembly plant.

In a statement, the EEF alleges that Opel/Vauxhall management are breaching the Delta Framework Agreement on the allocation of small SUV models to the Antwerp plant and that the relocation of this manufacturing activity is the sole reason for the intended closure.

Speaking to reporters earlier, Reilly reaffirmed his belief that GM had never signed a legally-binding agreement to build a subcompact SUV at the Flemish plant. "It was not a commitment, it was a plan," he said.

GM now plans to build the SUV, which will be sold under the Opel and Chevrolet brands, at its Daewoo unit in Korea. The idea of having two separate manufacturing sites for the same model, each with their own tooling and equipment costs, "no longer makes any sense at all," Reilly said.

“There is a pending lawsuit on this matter filed by the Antwerp unions,” said an EEF spokesman. “Since 2007, the Antwerp workers have made significant sacrifices (€ 20 million per year) to fulfill the contract from the labour side.

“In the case of a non-closure of Antwerp, GM would need € 500 million less guarantee loans from the European governments. Additionally, the Flemish government has offered a € 300 million guarantee loan which has so far been refused by GM.

“A joint working group of the European Employee Forum (management plus employee representatives) set up by CEO Nick Reilly came to the conclusion of a positive business case for Antwerp with the allocation of the agreed small SUV products. The European management later stated the following: ‘Even in a case of a positive business case for SUV production at Antwerp, the intention to close the plant does not change…’

“The management announced the intention to close the Antwerp plant unilaterally without the legally obliged information and consultation process being finished and before the Opel/Vauxhall business and restructuring plan has been published. According to Opel/Vauxhall it is planned to publish the plan by the end of January.The countries represented by the EEF agree that they will endeavour not to facilitate any work, direct or indirect, that undermines the Antwerp plant.

“We strongly oppose any plant closure and we will not agree to any sacrifices. We expect that Opel/Vauxhall management will do everything to utilise the existing installed capacity before any decision on job reductions will be taken. This topic is very important considering the fact that GM and Opel/Vauxhall are asking for state aid in Europe to restructure the company.

“We are making GM management aware of a long history of European solidarity in common action, and this will be exercised if necessary.”