World Cup construction strike drags on in South Africa; workers demanding 13 percent pay rise

World Cup strike continues in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG — A union official says that construction workers are continuing with their strike that has crippled work on World Cup projects in South Africa.

National Union of Mineworkers spokesman Lesiba Seshoka said Monday that workers are holding out for a 13 percent pay increase. Employers have offered 11.5 percent.

Seshoka said ongoing talks could lead to a deal Tuesday if employers agreed to the increase, otherwise the strike would continue.

The strike is threatening to derail already tight schedules for construction projects supposed to be completed by December.