BERLIN: Germanys main workers unio says it will demand a raise of 6.5% for its more than two million members in upcoming negotiations with employers.

IG metall chairman Berthold Huber said the metal and electrical industry unios board is set to endorse the demand for the next collective bargaining agreement Feb. 7.

The unio represents some 2.3 million workers but analysts say the negotiations outcome will serve as a benchmark for the remaining 1.2 million employees of the sector and others.

Germanys economy grew by about 3% last year and many manufacturers are set to report surges in their earnings.

Negotiations will start next month; no strikes can take place before May because of a truce agreement. The last deal in May 2010 granted workers a 2.7% increase.

© Associated Press