This article may contain graphic and/or adult content unsuitable for minors and sensitive readers.
A major national strike of over 50-thousand clothing workers has been averted at the last minute.
The COSATU-affiliated SA Clothing & Textile Workers Union (SACTWU) settled its national wage dispute in the clothing industry on Monday.
SACTWU Deputy Secretary General Chris Gina says the agreement was ratified and signed at a Special Council meeting of the clothing industry bargaining council.
Five out of the six employer associations endorsed the agreement.
In terms of the settlement, clothing workers in Metro, or Urban Areas will receive a 7% total labour cost increase.
Non-metro area clothing workers will receive a 10.1% wage increase.
All wage increases will be backdated to the 1st of September 2013.
Gina said the parties will convene an Industry Summit by no later than the first quarter of next year, to examine the state of the industry and to discuss what further interventions would be required to strengthen its future sustainability
