Strike by World Cup construction workers in South Africa continues; employers up wage offer

JOHANNESBURG — Striking construction workers at 2010 World Cup stadiums have until Tuesday to consider a new offer by employers.

The strike, which entered its third day Friday, is threatening to derail already tight schedules for construction projects supposed to be completed by December.

Union official Rufus Dizana says employers offered workers a 11.5 percent wage increase; up from 10.4 percent. Workers are demanding a 13 percent increase.

The new offer was made after protracted negotiations involving government and soccer officials began Thursday.

Danny Jordaan, the head of the World Cup organizing committee, says in a statement that he believes the workers will accept the “improved offer and will start work on the stadiums soon.”