EWN reports that the Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu) said on Sunday that sugar workers employed by Illovo were preparing to embark on a strike after wage negotiations ended in a deadlock last week.  

About 1,000 workers at eight Illovo farms across KwaZulu-Natal failed to reach a mutual agreement under the auspices of the CCMA and a ‘strike certificate’ had been issued.  The union’s general secretary Katishi Masemola said they would meet with Illovo to discuss picketing rules on Monday.  "Anytime from tomorrow we will issue a notice to strike.  The employer has offered 5% for the wage increase, they have said they want a separate discussion with regards to maternity leave and provident funds, we are not comfortable with that.  We want everything to be agreed to as a package to avert the strike," he said.   Among other demands‚ Fawu is demanding a 10% wage increase; a provident fund and 50% paid maternity leave for seasonal and full-time workers; and protective clothing for employees while on the job.

• Based on reports at EWN, JacarandaFM and TimesLive

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