FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) -- The leadership of Germany's largest industrial union, IG Metall, on Monday endorsed a demand for a pay raise of between 7 and 8 percent for its metal and electric industry members -- the highest increase sought in 16 years."This demand range takes into account the complete economic situation and takes into account the expectations of employees," said IG Metall chairman Berthold Huber at a press conference after the union's directors approved the recommendation of regional tariff commissions.
The union will not begin actual negotiations with industry leaders until October, but the employers' association has already indicated it is not prepared to meet the demand amid slowing order backlogs and weakening economic outlooks across Europe and the world.
On Oct. 31, the union's current contract expires and warning strikes -- should the union's demands not be met -- could ensue as early as the next day, Nov. 1, IG Metall said.
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