German unions plan protest

German unions have called for a campaign of opposition to planned changes to the labour market and social benefits in their government's Agenda 2010 programme.

They are particularly concerned at proposed cuts in the length for which unemployment benefit is paid, procedures to make dismissals easier and changes in the way the health service is financed. Changes to pensions are also possible with a commission set up by the government recommending an increase in the retirement age from the present 65 to 67.