Strike ends after Volkswagen suspends layoffs

Volkswagen has decided to temporarily suspend the 1,800 firings it had announced last week, leading the workers' union to call back the strike it had launched last week in response to the initial announcement of the layoffs. According to the German car manufacturer, a new round of negotiations will likely take place with the union to determine how the company can go ahead with its restructuring plans for the plant at Sao Bernardo, in the State of Sao Paulo. Trying to remain competitive, the company had contemplated firing up to 3,000 of the 12,000 workers at the plant, or risk closing the entire unit. The plan is part of the company's global strategy, which has included layoffs and restructuring in different parts of the world.