Construction strike to go ahead

Johannesburg - Preparations for a strike in the construction sector would go ahead, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said on Thursday.

Over a hundred construction shop stewards belonging to the NUM) would meet on Saturday in Johannesburg to make final preparation for a national strike next Wednesday, the union said in a statement.

"The meeting will tackle strategies and plans of co-ordinating the massive strike aimed at the SA Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors (SAFCEC) in which over 70 000 construction workers will partake," NUM) said.

It emphasised that even though SAFCEC had said the strike was illegal, it would still go ahead.

Meanwhile, the NUM had appointed a senior counsel to meet SAFCEC attorneys in the Labour Court on Friday.

"We are excited that SAFCEC has stopped issuing an interdict in the media as they have now issued it to those who understand the law," said Bhekani Ngcobo, the NUM negotiator at SAFCEC.

"Our lawyers are now dealing with the matter, whilst we are concentrating on mobilising our workers for a complete shut down.

"SAFCEC must expect no mercy from us by close of business tomorrow [Friday].

"Our doors are now officially shut unless they bring the extra three percent to make 13 percent," Ngcobo said.

SAFCEC spokesperson Joe Campanella was not immediately available for comment.

Construction workers at World Cup soccer sites had planned to down tools on July 8.

The decision to strike followed a deadlock in wage negotiations mediated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.

Projects that would be affected by the strike action included the Moses Mabhida, Nelson Mandela, Soccer City and Mthatha stadiums.

- Sapa