Germans win an easier working week

German metalworkers have won the right to a 28-hour working week in a landmark deal between employers and Europe’s biggest union.

Those who take advantage of the deal will be paid only for the hours worked, and after two years will have to return to the full 35-hour working week.

The deal, agreed to by IG Metall, for now applies to 900 000 workers in BadenWürttemberg state.