Big Strike Threatened By German Workers

Politicians appealed on Saturday for new efforts to avoid a metalworkers’ strike likely to begin in Bavaria next Friday, and the union prepared for a vote Monday to seal its action plan.

A strike in Bavaria could be the beginning of a nationwide work stoppage - something that hasn’t hit the metalworking sector since 1984, when a seven-week strike seriously damaged the auto industry.

Talks between the giant IG Metall metalworkers’ union, representing 3.5 million workers, and management have stalled across western Germany.

Employers on Friday refused to specify a wage offer and the union refused to continue talks.