Volkswagen is meeting union officials to come to an agreement over its German workers.

The manufacturer wants to increase working hours from 29 to 35 hours a week without a significant increase in pay.

Negotiations between the firm, workers and trade unions have, unsurprisingly, proved difficult. Workers and the trade union IG Metall want guarantees that jobs will be safeguarded at Volkswagen's plants in western Germany.

Workers representatives have suggested that they could make concessions, but only if the company promises to build important new models at its German plants, and offers guarantees of job security.

People within the company say today's talks in Hannover are unlikely to result in a formal agreement. But they are expected to pave the way for further negotiations which could lead to a deal before the end of the year.

(Source: bbc.co.uk)