It is reported that a strike is looming at Columbus Stainless after trade union Solidarity declared a wage dispute with the stainless steel producer at the Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council.

Solidarity said that the dispute was declared after trade unions and the employer reached a deadlock in the third round of negotiations in August.

According to Mr Deon Reyneke head of industry of Solidarity's Metal and Engineering Industry, trade unions rejected Columbus Stainless' wage offer of 5% in the third round of negotiations and a strike certificate has been issued.

Mr Reyneke explained that "Solidarity signed a five-year wage agreement with the company in 2008, but in terms of a clause in the agreement, negotiations were reopened this year when the CPI dropped below 5%.”

Mr Reyneke added that "The members must now decide whether they want to strike, and the voting process is already under way.”

(Sourcd from www.busrep.co.za)