Photo by: Duane Daws
Trade union Uasa was balloting its members to gauge their support for strike action in the sugar industry, following the declaration of a wage dispute in the Sugar Bargaining Council, Uasa spokesperson Andre Venter said on Monday.
He said after conciliation failed a certificate was issued confirming that the dispute remained unresolved.
Uasa was demanding an increase of 11% for its members, while the final industry offer consisted of two options, namely a 7.25% increase across the board with an additional R100 for A-band employees and R50 for B-band employees effective April 1, or a 7.5% increase across the board.
“Should the workers in the Sugar Bargaining Council decide in favour of strike action, this could mean major disruption in the industry,” Venter said.