Work-hours battle looms; German carmakers and suppliers set to clash with unions.(News)

Automotive News Europe,  November, 2003  by Meiners, Jens

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Byline: Jens Meiners

German auto industry leaders are heading for a fight with the country's powerful unions over labor contracts.

The German automakers association (VDA) wants the contracts to be dramatically restructured to make it easier for the country's manufacturers and suppliers to reach flexible working deals with employees.

Industry leaders say change is vital if the industry is to stop the transfer of manufacturing from Germany to low-wage countries.

The country's metal and industry employers, which include carmaking giants such as BMW and DaimlerChrysler, ...

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