Strikes that have shut motor plants around the country are set to spread to gold mines, construction companies and the clothing sector, threatening more than 10% of the economy’s output and taking thousands of tons of freight off the road and rail systems. Trucks will be carrying less cement, stone, bricks and other building and construction supplies as 90 000 construction workers down tools. NUM spokesman Lesiba Seshoka says the strike follows three months of wage negotiations. The NUM has, among its other demands, asked for a 13% increase for 2013 and 14% in 2014. Employers have countered with an offer of 6% for 2013 and an inflation-adjusted increase for 2014. In the clothing industry, 50 000 members of the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers Union are also due to strike.
