BusinessLive reports that as the country’s strike season intensifies, footwear workers became the latest sector on Wednesday to down tools over wage increases.  

According to the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (Sactwu), some 10,000 workers took part in the strike on its first day.  Workers are striking over the employers’ final wage offer of 6.25%.  Unions are demanding 9.5%.  Members of the National Union of Leather & Allied Workers (Nulaw) are also taking part in the action.  Affected companies include Oudtshoorn Footwear, Dick Whittington Shoes and Bresan Footwear, based in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.  Data compiled by the SA Footwear and Leather Industries Association shows that 193 footwear manufacturers employ a total 11,937 people.  The industrial action came after the release by the Department of Labour of the annual Industrial Action Report, which showed the country had the highest number of strikes yet in 2017.

• Read this report by Theto Mahlakoana in full at BusinessLive

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