The head of Germany's most powerful industrial union is threatening an "unprecedented" series of work stoppages next week if employers fail to come up with what it considers a fair
offer, the Associated Press reported.
Berthold Huber, head of the IG Metall union, told reporters Thursday that unless employers could come up with an offer "worthy of discussion," its 3.6 million members would launch a wave of short-term strikes. The union is seeking an 8 percent increase in wages over the next 12 months.
In the southwestern state of Baden-Wuertemberg, home to automakers Daimler AG and Porsche SE, employers offered only 2.9 percent, citing the difficult global financial situation.
IG Metall's regional branch immediately rejected the offer.