After several 24-hour strikes, progress is being made in negotiations between IG Metall, a German industrial workers’ union, and their employers. The union is demanding a 6 percent raise this year for roughly 3.9 million workers, as well as greater flexibility to work shorter hours in order to care for children and family members. Last week’s strikes resulted in a nearly $200 million euro loss of revenue for several large automakers, including BMW and Airbus. According to IG Metall’s chief negotiator, talks are set to resume this evening.
See "German industrial pay talks progress, deal seen within reach", Reuters Staff, Reuters, February 5, 2018