Germany's public services and transport union OeTV chief Herbert Mai pauses during a news conference in Stuttgart, February 23. Germany's public sector workers called a five percent wage hike at the start of talks on Wednesday, following above-inflation pay demands set by other trade unions. The OeTV public services and transport union and the DAG white collar workers union said they are seeking the increase for their 3.1 million members after their current contracts expire.

MAD/ME