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The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) on Thursday expressed its concern over the impact that the construction strike would have on the country’s economy and the perception of investors in the local business environment.
“Strikes are used as an instrument of influence too often and too soon in negotiations on socio-economic issues. In the current economic climate, workers should temper their demands. The South African economy is not immune to the global downturn and unrealistic demands on business will only serve to exacerbate the situation and retard economic recovery,” said Sacci CEO Neren Rau.
Rau made an appeal for rational minds to prevail in the wage negotiations so as not to allow the dispute to jeopardise the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
“There is a paramount need for parties to recognise that sacrifices must be made and that all must play a constructive part in retaining confidence in South Africa as a desirable investment destination.”
Meanwhile, the Local Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan stated that it believed that the strike would be resolved “as soon as possible” and that it remained confident that the stadiums would be completed on schedule.
About 70 000 workers at various construction sites, many related to the 2010 tournament, went on strike on Wednesday.
The South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors and worker unions were set to meet with the Labour Minister on Thursday, in an effort to resolve the wage dispute.
