Volkswagen workers intensify strikes over plant closures and layoffs.

Volkswagen workers in Germany are escalating their strikes in response to proposed plant closures and layoffs, marking the first such closures on German soil for the company. The standoff with management comes despite progress in operations and quality, with CEO Oliver Blume emphasizing the need for labor cost cuts and capacity reductions. Union officials have warned of potential longer strikes or open-ended walkouts if no agreement is reached, intensifying the ongoing dispute between labor unions and management. [Extracted from the article]