If there is no solution in sight by then, we will be forced to say that talks have officially failed.

If the employers are not able to make a negotiable offer and look for a solution at the negotiating table, there is no other option than to say 'enough is enough' and to call for a reasonable solution through warning strikes.

We are not interested in conflict, we are interested in a solution.

That people don't want to give this away of their own free will goes without saying.

I fear that the next wage round will be fierce ... You can never rule out a strike, although I don't wish to talk about one at the beginning of negotiations.

A grand coalition would be a very bad solution for Germany. A grand coalition would mean stagnation.