JOHANNESBURG: At least 18,000 port and rail workers are striking for higher wages across South Africa.
Ezrom Mabyana, president of the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union, told The Associated Press the nationwide strike started with Monday’s first shift. He says it will continue until demands for a 15 percent wage hike are met.
Employer Transnet has offered 11 percent.
The strike will slow deliveries of goods and fuel and some passenger rail service.
It comes a month before South Africa hosts football’s World Cup. Organizers have called on South Africa’s strong labor movement not to strike during the tournament.
The transport workers chief, Mabyana, says "management should also be aware that there is a World Cup coming" and ensure workers get fair deals.
