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World Cup at risk
Published: 09 July, 2009, 12:20
Green Point stadium in Cape Town
The fortunes of the looming football World Cup have been put on the line after tens of thousands of construction workers began an indefinite strike in South Africa.
Approximately 70,000 workers put down their tools after wage negotiations failed to reach an agreement.
Workers are reportedly demanding a 13% pay rise, with employers only offering to increase wages by 10.4%.
The protests bring about an extra challenge for contractors who are racing to meet FIFA's deadline set for December.
Despite a delay in the completion of flagship venues like the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg and the Green Point stadium in Cape Town, officials hope to resolve the difference soon enough.
The employers will have to see to the workers’ demands, who maintain they will stand firm in their protest.
“It’s our first chance to get 2010 here. We feel bad to go to strike, but there’s pressure. That’s why we decided to go on strike. They don’t want to meet us half way,” says shop steward Patrick Geqeza from Jikelele Construction.
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