IG Metall, Germany’s largest industrial trade union is asking the employers of its 3.6 million members to secure an 8 per cent pay rise if they want to avoid a strike.
The union said it could hold a vote on 13 November for a full countrywide strike that could start as little as four days later.
The employers, including Audi, Daimler and BMW are so far only offering 2.1 per cent along with a one-off payment of 0.8 per cent.
Yesterday, union representatives and the firms were expected to meet to resolve the issue. IG Metall has already indicated it would accept less than what it is asking for.