This week, some German construction workers are preparing to go on strike to demand higher wages. This is their first strike in 17 years. A spokesperson for Germany's IG Bau union said the union called on members of Lower Saxony to go on strike on Monday because the employer rejected wage proposals made by independent arbitrators. The agency said that workers at some factories in other states will join trade unions starting tomorrow, and the union has also reserved the possibility of holding large-scale strikes across the country. If the situation escalates into long-term industrial action, it could delay large-scale infrastructure projects and private housing construction in Germany. Earlier this year, the German railways and aviation industry experienced a series of strikes, which brought traffic to a standstill in most parts of the country. For Europe's largest economy, any potential construction disruption comes at an embarrassing moment. The country's economic contraction continued for a year and could cast a shadow over its recovery.

This week, some German construction workers are preparing to go on strike to demand higher wages. This is their first strike in 17 years. A spokesperson for Germany's IG Bau union said the union called on members of Lower Saxony to go on strike on Monday because the employer rejected wage proposals made by independent arbitrators. The agency said that workers at some factories in other states will join trade unions starting tomorrow, and the union has also reserved the possibility of holding large-scale strikes across the country. If the situation escalates into long-term industrial action, it could delay large-scale infrastructure projects and private housing construction in Germany. Earlier this year, the German railways and aviation industry experienced a series of strikes, which brought traffic to a standstill in most parts of the country. For Europe's largest economy, any potential construction disruption comes at an embarrassing moment. The country's economic contraction continued for a year and could cast a shadow over its recovery.