Clothing workers on strike in Newcastle

"Our members went on strike on Monday," the union's general secretary Andre Kriel said.

Kriel said workers wanted an extra R45 a week, as they only earned between R250 and R400 per week.

"This is far below the legally prescribed minimum of an already low wage of R534 per week. We are determined to continue our fight for a living wage for clothing workers," he said.

The strike affected 35 companies.

However, the chairman of the Newcastle Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Alex Liu, said about 25 companies were affected by the industrial action.

"Half of the companies affected by the strike have already reached an agreement with workers. We are hoping the number will be reduced to zero," he added.

Source: Sapa