Tens of thousands of South African construction workers downed tools today, adding to strike chaos that has crippled output and disrupted air traffic .

The some 90,000 construction workers embarked on an indefinite strike demanding a 13 percent pay increase against an offer of six percent made by their bosses.
Two people were reportedly stabbed in an incident related to the construction strike in Johannesburg's plush suburb of Sandton, police told the SAPA news agency.
The South African government warned the strikers to stay "within the ambit of the law", adding that "those that contravene the country's laws will face the full might of the law."


The technicians repair and service aircraft for South African Airways and other domestic and international carriers, including British Airways and Qantas.

The strike has so far caused minor disruption, including an arrival delay for the national rugby team returning from Argentina.
But the Airports Company of South Africa denied that delays at Johannesburg's OR Tambo airport were related to the strike. Also today, 1,300 aircraft maintenance technicians launched a stayaway, demanding a 12 percent pay rise.