On July 8, 2009, thousands of South African workers walked off their construction jobs in protest of low wages and lack of benefits. The unions want a 13 percent pay raise, four months maternity leave and pay for lost work during inclement weather. Employers have said the demands are too expensive.http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/09/world/africa/09safrica.html?ref=sports
The strike comes at a precipitous time because South Africa is slated to host the 2010 World Cup. Construction on new stadiums is expected to be completed by the end of the year.