Unions 'not targeting World Cup'

Johannesburg - The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) said the dispute between the National Union of Mineworkers (Num) and the South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors (Safcec) over wage increases in the construction industry is not aimed at disrupting 2010 Fifa World Cup preparations.

"It is a normal dispute within the entire sector. Cosatu, and the construction workers, are as passionate about the 2010 World Cup as anyone, and will do everything possible to ensure its success," said the trade federation's spokesperson Patrick Craven.

"But we will not tolerate the stadiums being built by workers who are underpaid or working in dangerous or unhealthy conditions."

On Wednesday, about 70 000 construction workers prepared to down tools after negotiations with Safcec were unsuccessful.

"Cosatu pledges its total support to the construction workers who are preparing to strike and protest today in support of their fully justified 13% wage claim," said Craven.

"Construction workers regularly put their lives on the line doing what is one of the most dangerous jobs. They require high levels of skills and have contributed massively to the development of the country, yet receive next to nothing in return."

Craven said while construction companies are making huge profits, workers face high food inflation, electricity tariff increases and rising fuel prices.

"The federation shares Num's anger at Safcec's assertion that they cannot give workers an additional 3% because they are building stadiums for what is largely a 'poor man's game', and that if these workers were building golf courses it would have been different."

Cosatu accused Safcec of not negotiating seriously and demanded that it return to the negotiating table with a serious offer.

- Fin24.com