German metal workers continue strikes

The German metal workers union, IG Metall, has continued its series of warning strikes over pay, with the first stoppages taking place in the state of Lower Saxony.

The strikes began in eastern Germany last week, and spread to western states just before Easter.

The unions are demanding a pay increase of more than six percent. The employers have offered four.

Correspondents say the strikes could have serious implications for the government's hopes of an economic revival ahead of general elections in September, although there are no plans for stoppages covering the entire branch.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service