Striking workers pause for pay review
Wednesday 14 November 2012
Printable
EmailThousands of South Africa grape-pickers were set to return to work tomorrow following a week-long strike for higher wages.
The Western Cape workers have demanded an increase of their daily rate from 70 rand (£5) to at least 150 rand (£11).
Trade union federation Cosatu said the strike would be suspended for two weeks after the government agreed to review the minimum wage in the industry.
The rural workers will be paid 80 rand (£5.70) in the meantime, but Cosatu warned that if the deal is unsatisfactory workers will walk out again.
On Tuesday and today morning workers blockaded roads with burning tyres and attacked vineyards and factories in anger of bosses' intransigence.
Police confirmed today that a 28-year-old man died and five people were inured during clashes between farm workers and police on Monday.
A two-month-long strike by Amplats miners also looked to be resolved today with the company hoping workers would return tomorrow.
The strike committee was reportedly "happy" with the offer of a 400 rand (£28) monthly pay rise.
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