Provincial government is preparing to step in to end a nationwide strike by almost 5000 workers in the sugar industry.
The Food and Allied Workers Union issued a notice to strike last Monday, after wage negotiations reached a deadlock.
Premier Senzo Mchunu has pleaded with the thousands of workers, demanding an 11,5% plenary increase, to go back to work while talks continue.
Employers have set their offer at 8,5% salary increase, which workers have not agreed to.
Workers are also demanding their working hours be cut by three hours a week without decreasing their salaries.
In a statement Mchunu said the economy is built around sugar and government is keen to find ways to make all parties happy. Locally the strike has affected Tongaat Hulett, the Gledhow Sugar Company and the majority of farmers who are in the midst of their harvesting season.
Police have confirmed there has been no disturbance or damage related to the strike.
