Chemical industry wage negotiations this year will be characterised by a strong union stance for double-figure wage increases, trade union Solidarity said on Sunday.

Solidarity chemical industry spokesperson, Marius Croucamp, said wage negotiations in the industrial chemical, petroleum, glass, pharmaceutical and consumer item sectors would start this week at the National Bargaining Council for the Chemical Industry.

Trade unions have submitted a joint initial demand for a wage increase of 15 percent for negotiation, Croucamp said.

Other trade union demands include improved benefits with regard to shift allowances, sick leave, maternity leave and study leave as well as overtime payment and working hours.

Sasol, PetroSA and Omnia are some of the largest companies involved in the negotiations.

Employers in the industrial chemical and petroleum sectors would start negotiations with an initial offer of 8 percent while employers in the glass sector would open negotiations on 6.5 percent, said Croucamp.

Employers in the pharmaceutical sector would open with a wage offer of seven percent and those in the fast-moving consumer item sector with six percent.

"Our members will not accept less than double-figure wage increases.

"The current economic climate has hit every employee and worker in the industry with inflation of one percent to two percent above the consumer price inflation.

"Employees cannot be satisfied with less than a 10 percent wage increase," Croucamp said.

The outcome of the negotiations was due for implementation on 1 July, Croucamp said.

Sapa