Clothing union to sign wage deal

"Sactwu expects to sign its 2009 wage agreement with clothing industry employers to bring an official end to the still suspended national wage strike by 55 000 clothing workers," the union said.

Its members did return to work after a 10-day strike last month but the signing ceremony will officially suspend the labour action.

Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel was expected to deliver the key note address at the event in Cape Town.

The union had been demanding a 7.9% increase, with paid sick leave and bigger increases for workers in rural areas who are the lowest paid in the industry.

The employer had offered Sactwu an 8% wage increase but with "conditions" which the union did not accept at the time.

The details of the wage agreement would be made public after the signing.

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