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The SA Clothing and Textile Workers Union has given employers in the clothing sector an ultimatum to settle or face national wage strike action by its 80 000 workers.
SACTWU says it submitted its 2014 wage demands in March, seeking a total labour cost increase of 9% as opposed to the 7% offer from employers.
The union says it will hold a final meeting on Tuesday with employers in a an attempt to end the wage dispute.
SACTWU Deputy Secretary General, Chris Gcina says over 1500 workers in the textile industry in the Eastern Cape will be affected if the strike goes ahead.
"One of you major companies that will be hard hitted is Times Clothing based in East London, should the employers lose the opportunity to conclude an agreement with SACTWU tomorrow [on Tuesday] it will be regretable because once we commence the strike ballot it will be irreversible." says Gcina.
Meanwhile, the strike in the cotton sector is entered its second week on Monday.
Gcina says there will be be no movement up until employers agree to their demand for a 10% wage increase in the cotton sector.
He says up to 1000 workers in the Eastern Cape are on strike in this sector.
"In East London , De Gama textile company which is one of the biggest in South Africa with about over 600 workers and up to 400 workers at Industex in Port Elizabeth."
