Things are a bit on edge at the Volkswagen Group right now, and the feeling of unease has spread over to other brands like Audi. Workers at the company’s Brussels plant in Belgium have just taken an unusual stand as uncertainty over the factory’s future grows.

With about 3,000 employees extremely worried, the facility—known for producing the Q8 e-Tron electric SUV—faces possible closure due to poor demand for the vehicle. Frustrated by a lack of clear communication from Audi’s management, workers have now stolen around 200 car keys as leverage, refusing to release any cars until answers are provided.

Audi understandably wasn’t happy about this move, and has reacted by threatening legal action if the keys are not returned. The company has warned that surveillance footage could be used to identify those responsible.

The plant’s future has been in question since July, when Audi first mentioned that shutting down the Brussels factory was a possibility. The announcement followed Volkswagen’s statement that no new models would be built there in the coming years, adding to the employees’ concerns.

The uncertainty has led to growing tensions among the workers. In recent days, local unions reported that employees have started walkouts, preventing the resumption of production after the summer break. The dissatisfaction stems from Audi’s seeming inability to provide any concrete answers about the plant’s future, leaving thousands of employees worried about their jobs.

Audi’s Brussels plant has long been a significant part of the company’s European production network, especially in its shift toward electric vehicles. However, with the Q8 e-Tron underperforming in the market, the plant’s future now hangs in the balance. The firm’s hesitation to commit to new production plans for the facility has only worsened the situation.

A large-scale protest is planned for September 16, with employees and unions expected to ramp up pressure on the German carmaker to finally clarify the plant’s status. While the company has not made any final decisions, the current standoff between workers and management highlights the broader challenges facing the automotive industry in its transition to electric vehicles.

Uncertainty about demand, shifting market dynamics, and the need to adapt to new technologies have placed many traditional manufacturing facilities in precarious positions.

For the employees at the Brussels plant, the lack of clarity has left them with little choice but to escalate their actions. The theft of the car keys, while drastic, signals their desperation for answers. Audi’s management now faces the difficult task of balancing the future of the plant with the broader strategic goals of the company, all while navigating the pressures from both workers and unions.

As tensions continue to rise, Audi’s next steps will be critical in determining the fate of the Brussels facility. Whether the company will address the workers’ concerns or proceed with its potential closure plan remains to be seen. For now, the workers are standing firm, and the battle for the future of the plant is far from over.