German industry wage deal lifts pay, enables flexible hours
Chance to work 28-hour week for up to two years
07 February, 10:32The IG Metall union and employers in the southwestern Baden-Wuerttemberg state - home to automaker Daimler, Volkswagen's Porsche and auto parts firm Bosch - agreed Tuesday on the regional deal, ending a dispute that had seen 24-hour strikes at targeted firms.
The deal involves the possibility of more flexible working hours, a contentious issue in a strong economy with some firms running at full capacity and facing shortages of skilled workers in some areas. Employees won the right to the shorter week while employers will be able to put more workers than before on longer 40-hour weeks. The deal runs through March 2020. (ANSA).