Hardliner to lead German union

Mr Peters favours confrontation over compromise

Germany's most influential trade union, IG Metall, has elected a traditionalist hardliner to lead it for the next four years.

IG Metall members gave a two-thirds majority to Juergen Peters, the candidate anointed by the union's executive in July.

Mr Peters replaces Klaus Zwickel, who resigned amid accusations that IG Metall has lost its long overwhelming power to influence government policy.

In contrast to Mr Zwickel, Mr Peters favours confrontation over compromise - a stance that could provoke trouble as the German Government pushes through controversial economic reforms.

Divided loyalties

Mr Peters' majority was slim, given that he was the only candidate standing.

The size of the opposition to him reflects the divisions within IG Metall, spawned largely by Germany's economic plight, which has raised the necessity of long-postponed reform.

German workers have launched a series of strikes this year against government policy, especially welfare and labour-market reforms, but have achieved nothing.

Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who in theory depends on the unions for grass-roots support, has been able to defy left-wing opinion without destabilising his position.

Mr Peters will have to decide whether to work with or against Mr Schroeder, a difficult choice given the divisions among his supporters.

Mr Peters' zeal will be moderated by Berthold Huber, a relative moderniser, who was elected as his deputy.