Catherwood LibraryILR School

A strike begun yesterday by 70,000 South African construction workers has brought construction on the soccer World Cup stadiums to a grinding halt. The 10 stadiums being constructed or refurbished are supposed to be finished by December of this year - at this point, the World Cup chairman remains optimistic about the chances of finishing by the deadline. The strike has already proved to be a large disruption - 100% of the National Union of Mineworkers members participated in the strike yesterday, and all are being encouraged to do so again today. The union has asked the companies of the South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors for a 13% wage raise, and an increase in benefits. The company is currently offering a 10.4% wage hike. Meetings between union leaders, company officers, and the World Cup committee are scheduled for Thursday and the issue is expected to be resolved quickly.