Any new talks with the employers' union would have to be based on IG Metall's original 6.5% demand, Mr Zwickel said.

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The new boss has his work cut out: IG Metall remains deeply divided and its power is waning, with membership continuing to fall.

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Faced with losing thousands of jobs to the current Airbus reorganization, IG Metall is hoping EADS aircraft will start winning large DoD contracts.

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