Ford’s Genk unions have agreed a redundancy package for blue collar staff at the Belgian factory, which the automaker plans to close next year with the direct loss of 4,300 jobs.

The deal – inked by 70% of those voting – will see workers with seniority of 26 years receive an average of EUR100,000 (US$130,000) according to the ABVV union, although this will be taxed at around 35%.

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Despite the agreement being accepted, the ABVV labour body nonetheless highlights the impact of the direct redundancies, which, with the knock-on effect to suppliers, could see many thousands more posts being axed.

“We have some 10,000 guys who will lose their jobs at the same time, I can’t be happy,” ABVV union Limberg region leader, Rhonny Champagne, told just-auto from Belgium.

“This is what the unions thought was the maximum we could get – you push as far you think you can go. [Some] 70% agreed on this proposal who voted.

“The EUR100,000 is taxed at the normal rate – it will be around 35% that will go to the Belgian State.”

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Ford in Belgium confirmed the deal for its hourly workers in Genk, although declined to discuss the amount of severance pay.

“It is certainly a good agreement depending on seniority and the family situation,” a Ford spokesman told just-auto. “You can’t compare it with any other plant closure in Belgium, because in the case of Ford we offered people 26 months work after the announcement. 

“The closure is still planned for the end of 2014. Discussions with the white collar [staff] are still ongoing.”

Champagne said work had resumed normally today (18 March) at the Genk factory after previous industrial unrest including a walk out from Ford suppliers, who feared they would not be included in the same social plan as the main factory’s 4,300 workers.

“Everyone went to work today,” added the union leader, noting: “I heard confirmation everyone started normally, the suppliers and production [were] normal.

“With a bit of luck, that kind of disturbance is over.”