Sactwu declares dispute with textile employers

The dispute was formalised on Friday‚ and referred to the National Textile Bargaining Council (NTBC) for processing.

"The NTBC is now required to arrange a conciliation meeting where it will be attempted to settle the dispute‚" the union said.

Cotton textiles employers have tabled a final settlement offer of a 5.5% increase and a reduction in the starting minimum wage rate to 80% of current levels.

Sactwu is demanding a 7.5% wage increase.

If the conciliation fails‚ the union intends to ballot its members for strike action.

The bargain covers almost 5000 textile workers employed in 52 factories nationally.

Source: Sapa