Talks to end 2010 stadium strike to be held today

Building Construction Allied Workers Union (BECAWU), representing more than 1 000 workers who downed tools at the Peter Mokaba Sports complex in Limpopo this week, will have a conciliation meeting with the contractors on the site this afternoon.

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) will facilitate the meeting. Workers brought the 2010 project to a halt following a deadlock on wage negotiations between their union and contractors. The workers are demanding a wage increase and project bonuses amounting to R1 500 a month.

Hardly two weeks ago Polokwane was congratulated by the deputy president, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, for good work on the 2010 project.

BECAWU's spokesperson Joseph Munengwane, says: "If during the consultation we reach an agreement with the employer … then (workers will) go back to work, but if there is no agreement … (the issue) will still go for arbitration on Tuesday."