IG Metall

The changes Volkswagen are world-changing, with the German automaker’s leadership team announcing today to labor union leaders that it is ending a 30-year-old agreement that protected workers from layoffs.

Volkswagen is going through the worst period in its history, following the trajectory of the German economy, which is on the brink of recession.

The operation of the BMW, Daimler, Audi and Porsche car manufacturing plants has stalled in Germany over a round-the-clock warning strike organized by the IG Metall trade union to pressure employers for a higher salary, local media reported on Friday.

Powerful German union IG Metall has called for all-day walkouts by industrial workers across the country next week, hampering the production of cars, car parts and machinery, after last-ditch regional labor talks failed to reach a deal.

German heavy industry giant ThyssenKrupp and Indian group Tata agreed Wednesday to merge their steel operations in Europe, taking second place in the continent's market behind ArcelorMittal.