The ver.di public services union is asking for a 6.5% rise for 400,000 workers in the printing and paper sectors.

Board member Frank Werneke said that particularly in times of economic slackness and weak domestic demand, its right to push through clear increases in real earnings. But unemployment in Germany is more than 10% and its economy has been hit more than most in Europe by the US slowdown.

German gravure printer Gruner + Jahr declined to comment. Ver.di has served notice that it wishes to terminate its employment contract with the firm and push for the increase.