Trade union IG Metall said on 2 February it would seek wage increases of between 4.5 percent and 5 percent for the 3.8 million metals and electrics sector workers after the economy grew at its fastest rate for four years in 2015. After growth of 1.7 percent in 2015, the government trimmed its forecast for 2016 last month, saying the growth rate would remain flat this year amid emerging market risks that are dampening export demand. IG Metall stated that a wage increase would help bolster domestic spending, thereby supporting the economy, Europe's largest. A final decision on the union's demands is due on 29 February with negotiations kicking off in mid-March. The negotiations will take place in a buoyant labour market.
English: http://www.reuters.com/article/germany-wages …
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