European news
Dutch union calls for moderate rise
FNV, the largest Dutch trade union confederation, is calling for a 2.5% increase in pay next year plus a €300 lump sum. The percentage increase is slightly below the current level of inflation, which was 2.6% in November, but is expected to be in line with inflation in 2012. The additional €300 is intended to boost purchasing power, and offset the money the government is taking out of the economy through cuts.
The euro was worth 85p on 9 December 2011.