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Defending high wage demands

SOUTH Africa's annual strike season is coming to a close after weeks of tough bargaining.

And while several sectors settled for increases of less than 10%, once again this year negotiations started off with unions demanding double-digit hikes, in some cases more than three times the inflation rate.

Unions persisted with their demands in spite of warnings from Reserve Bank governor Gill Marcus and Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan that high wage hikes would fuel inflation.

In a video interview, Cosatu adviser Chris Malikane says the enormous pay gap in South Africa between executives and workers warrants double-digit increases.

He argues that structural faults in the economy need to be addressed to deal with poverty and growing inequality.

To view the video, click here.

 
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