German government and unions agree pay deal for public sector workers

German government officials and trade unions have reached a pay deal for more than 2.5 million public sector workers, heading off the possibility of disruptive all-out strikes (Monika Skolimowska/dpa/AP)

German government officials and trade unions have reached a pay deal for more than 2.5 million public sector workers, ending a lengthy dispute and heading off the possibility of disruptive all-out strikes.

The ver.di union had pressed for a hefty increase as Germany, like many other countries, grapples with high inflation.