Western Cape farm strike suspended

She said the Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) had consulted workers and it was agreed they would return to work today and desist from violence and vandalism.The suspension was on condition that the sectoral determination for agriculture be looked at by the Employment Condition Commission next Wednesday.This meant the R70 a day minimum wage for farmworkers would be cancelled and renegotiated.

Motshekga was addressing reporters in Cape Town, on behalf of Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant, who was out of the country.Grape harvesters in the Hex River Valley have been protesting for more than a week about their wages, demanding R150 a day.Most earn between R69 and R75 a day, with R80 being the highest and only offer from farmers so far.Sixteen towns in the province have been affected by the protest action, which included blocked roads and burning tyres.