Unions at six of Volkswagen’s German plants have agreed to extend hours without an increase in pay in return for job security until 2011.

The 100,000 workers have agreed to four more hours work, raising the week’s total to 33. VW promised to build the next generation Golf model at its main factory in Wolfsburg.

"These binding and concrete product promises secure the work force through 2011 and beyond in all six west German production locations," said Hartmut Meine, negotiator for the IG Metall union.