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Johannesburg - There have been "unnecessary" delays in reaching a settlement agreement with striking petrol attendants and vehicle industry workers, the Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) said on Saturday.
"Each attempt has...ended in failure because of the employers’ obstructive and delaying tactics," said Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven.
"[We] are shocked and angry at the unnecessary delay..."
The strike began on 9 September with the National Union of Metalworkers (Numsa) demanding a double digit percentage increase.
They want a R30 an hour across the board increase by 2016 on actual rates of pay in all sectors and divisions for workers earning above R6 000 a month, among other demands.
The union recently rejected a revised wage offer of 7.5%.
Craven said Numsa had maintained "good faith" during negotiations to find a solution.
He claimed employers were unwilling to resume talks until 25 September, because of Heritage Day.
"This is totally unacceptable. This dispute should be resolved without delay."
Craven called on the Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant to convene an urgent meeting with unions and employers to resolve the dispute.
He warned that if a settlement is not reached soon, there would be calls to expand the strike action.
