On Monday, the South African union that represents local government employees said that it would strike in the next week over pay. The strike comes during a period of labor unrest in the mining sector, with 75,000 participating in strikes since August. The union says that the strike, which could involve up to 190,000 workers, may be for one day, but could also continue for longer. Tensions in the mining sector are high, with one mine firing 12,000 workers for an illegal strike. The workers have refused to accept the firings, and said that they will shut down the mine. Truck drivers are also continuing a three week strike, which has caused fuel issues for some. Another transport workers' union said that it would strike on October 15.
See "South Africa state workers join strike bandwagon", Agnieszka Flak and Sherilee Lakmidas, Reuters, October 7, 2012