German unions launch wave of strikes over cost-of-living pressures

Germany’s largest union has launched a wave of strikes as it pushes for higher wages and increased job security. The walkouts on Monday escalated a wage dispute affecting about 3.7 million employees in Germany’s metal and electrical engineering industries. The expanded industrial action comes amid myriad strikes and protests across Europe over the cost of living and conditions in workplaces and educational facilities, several of which have seen severe unrest. Major manufacturers including Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Tata Steel were affected by the strikes launched by the IG Metall union.