Catherwood LibraryILR School

South African unions are using the soccer World Cup as a tool to influence the government and other companies to raise wages. One of the largest unions, COSATU says that the World Cup offers few benefits to poor, and that striking during the Cup would not cost them. However, others hope that a sense of national pride will help stop strikes during the tournament. Last month's strike at Transnet demonstrates the union's power. The strike disrupted railways and ports, and cost billions. If a strike was to happen during the World Cup, it could embarrass the government and hurt investments. COSATU is asking for raises which the government says are not viable, but the union says that they are only trying to get a living wage. This World Cup is the first time that the tournament will be held in Africa.