Thousands of construction workers in South Africa have gone on strike demanding better wages. The strike affects a number of projects related to the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup.
The Johannesburg Star reports that about 70,000 workers affiliated to the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) have downed tools demanding a 13 percent increase. The employer organisation, the South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors (SAFCEC) is offering an increase of 10,4 percent.
It is feared that the indefinite strike could affect the completion dates of the stadia and other buildings planned for the World Cup, which South Africa is hosting in less than a year’s time. NUM spokesman, Lesiba Seshoka warned the union was prepared to strike until 2011:
It’s the first day. Maybe we can strike for two months or four months. We can go on strike until 2011. If management is in a joking mood, then they will see that this is no joke.
Referring to problems with the World Cup if the stadia are not completed on time, Seshoka said:
The NUM does not organise 2010, our responsibility lies with our members. This is the beginning of a war, it’s the beginning of a revolution.
The strike is affecting construction work in other provinces as well.
Independent Online reports that workers in Kwa-Zulu Natal province also downed tools at the Moses Mabhida Stadium and King Shaka airport in the port city of Durban. Other major projects were also affected.
Although tempers flared at some strike points and there was a strong police presence, no violence has been reported. The strike continues.
