Volkswagen employees across nine German sites initiated a strike involving nearly 100,000 workers in protest against proposed wage cuts, plant closures, and mass layoffs by the management. The strike, called by the IG Metall union, lasted two hours and was deemed a significant show of determination. The management’s request for a 10% wage reduction has led to increased tensions, with further negotiations scheduled for next week in Wolfsburg. The union is advocating for job security and the preservation of all sites.