Volkswagen ok's Pay Deal for West German Workers

HANOVER, Germany, Sept 24 Reuters reported that Volkswagen will pay its 100,000 workers in six west German plants an additional 3.1 percent starting in February, the company said early on Tuesday.

Under the two-year agreement, the workers will receive another 2.6 percent raise in February 2004, the company said in a statement. The deal also includes a 120-euro monthly supplement from October 1 until January 31, 2003, and a one-time bonus of 400 euros in May 2004.

The automaker made the agreement with the IG Metall union after 14-hour-long talks that ended early Tuesday. Two earlier rounds had failed to reach agreement.

IG Metall had sought a 6.5 Percent raise and cited positive profit developments at Volkswagen as a justification.