BERLIN (MNI) – Germany’s federal and local governments on Monday
made an opening pay rise offer in the wage talks for around two million
public sector employees.

They proposed a 2.1% pay rise from May 1 this year and another 1.2%
hike from March 1, 2013. The employers want a contract duration of 24
months.

Germany’s powerful Verdi trade union and other smaller public
sector unions are demanding a pay rise of 6.5% and a 12-month contract
duration.

–Berlin bureau: +49-30-22 62 05 80; email: twidder@marketnews.com

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