Part 5/9:
Amid this tumult, Continental has begun shuttering factories in multiple federal states, affecting the livelihood of around 600 workers. The closures reflect a broader trend where other major car parts suppliers, such as Bosch, have also initiated mass layoffs and plant shutdowns. The challenges of operating in Germany are exacerbated by complicated labor laws that make it difficult to terminate employees amid rising absenteeism and a growing number of "sick days." This leads to increased operational costs that further strain manufacturers' profitability.