Negotiations Resume Between Union, Government

Talks aimed at averting an all-out public sector strike in Germany resumed in the northern port city of Bremen on Thursday. Germany's 3 million plus public sector employees are demanding a pay rise of 3.5 percent. Employers have offered an increase of 0.9 percent from Jan. 1 follwed by an increase to 1.2 percent on Oct. 1. Initial wage negotiations
between public sector unions and employers collapsed before Christmas and arbitrators were appointed to reach a compromise deal. They have until midnight on Sunday to reach a solution. If not, the Ver.di public sector union has threatened massive strikes.