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Germany in Brief

June 29, 2003

Germany's largest engineering trade union deliberates consequences of aborted strikes; German men's tennis players move into 4th round at Wimbledon and Berlin honors sausage.

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Union deputy head Jürgen Peters could suffer personal consequences for failed strikes.Image: AP

Union considers causes of failed strikes

Functionaries from the German engineering and metalworker union, IG Metall, have criticized designated chairman Jürgen Peters for the failure of negotiations with employers to implement the 35-hour work week in eastern Germany. Peters is considered the main initiator of strikes meant to force employers to accord electrical and metalworkers a shorter working hours. Hasso Düvel, the union's chief negotiator and an east German district leader, is not expected to resign, although he has claimed responsibility for the failure of talks. The union aimed to put eastern German workers -- who currently work 38 hours a week -- on a par with their western German colleagues. Union leaders will meet on Sunday to discuss the causes and consequences of the aborted strike action. They are expected to declare an end to strikes, which have been underway for four weeks. The IG Metall managing board chose Peters to succeed outgoing chairman Klaus Zwickel in a very close vote in April. His appointment will not be confirmed until October.

German men go forward at Wimbledon

Alexander Popp (26) and Rainer Schüttler (27) reached the 4th round at the Wimbledon Championships in tennis. Popp beat the world's number 19 ranking player, Czech Jiri Novak, on Saturday. It is the first time in three years that two German are among the last 16 players. Popp will play Belgium's Olivier Rochus on Monday. Schüttler, who ranks as the 5th best male player in the world, will face off with Dutch national Sjeng Schalken, after defeating U.S. player Todd Martin on Friday.


Monument to a popular sausage

Berlin paid hommage to the currywurst on Sunday, a curry-flavored hotdog that originated in the city over 50 years ago. Local officials unveiled a plaque dedicated to the late currywurst creator Herta Heuwer. Heuwer came up with the spicy concoction in her Berlin snack bar in 1949. The plaque, located near where Heuwer's diner stood, proclaims, "Her idea is a tradition and an eternal pleasure!"


Compiled with material from wire services.