The South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors (Safcec) yesterday failed to win a labour court interdict to stop the massive strike.

Cosatu’s National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Nactu’s Building, Construction, and Allied Workers Union have mobilised workers at 2010 construction sites to start striking tomorrow.

NUM negotiator Bhekani Ngcobo said the strike “would go ahead until 2011” if employers refused to buckle under to the unions’ demands.

Talks between the unions and the employers’ body deadlocked after Safcec offered a salary increase of 10percent. The unions want 13percent after first demanding 15percent.

The Commission for Mediation Conciliation and Arbitration has granted the workers a certificate to strike.

“NUM is jubilant about the court ruling and employers are guaranteed a serious lashing by our members,” Ngcobo said.

“Employers must expect no mercy from us. They must deliver 13percent or we will strike until 2011.”