German union announces strikes after talks break down

BERLIN – The head of Germany’s largest industrial workers’ union says workers will go on strike next week after negotiations with employers have broken down.

The IG Metall union did not specify which companies the walkouts will target.

Talks over a new labour agreement broke down after employers did not agree to union demands to let workers choose a 28-hour week for up to two years with the right to return to their former hours after that, and the 6-per cent pay increase over one year.

So far, job actions have been limited to strikes lasting a few hours.