The fourth round of negotiations between Volkswagen AG management and unions ended without a solution, leading to strikes by thousands of employees across nine German plants. The company is seeking to implement cost-cutting measures, including wage reductions and plant closures, to save €10bn amid poor demand and competition. Unions, particularly IG Metall, are skeptical of these measures and demand that the burden not fall solely on employees. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has urged the company to reconsider factory closures. Further negotiations are scheduled for December. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)