A threatened strike by three of South Africa's largest unions against Eskom could disrupt the nation's economy as well as the World Cup soccer tournament, according to company officials. Eskom, the state-run utility which provides electricity for the entire country, had its proposal of a 8.5 percent pay increase and 1,000 rand housing allowance rejected by the National Union of Metalworkers, National Union of Mineworkers, and the Solidarity Union. The unions had demanded a 9 percent increase and 2,500 rand allowance. Officials are concerned a strike by the three unions lasting more than a few days could cripple South Africa's ability to deliver power to industry and the general public.
See "Eskom Says Strike Threatens Economy, Soccer World Cup", Ron Derby, Business Week, July 1, 2010