The South African Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu) and South African Local Government Association (Salga) are expected to meet this afternoon for the first time since the strike began last Monday.

Municipal workers belonging to Samwu and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) declared a dispute with Salga a week ago after they failed to agree on the unions' demand of an 18% wage increase. Salga is offering 6.08%.

According to Samwu spokesperson, Tahir Sema, the strike has not ended yet.

"A decision will be taken after meeting with the employer, depending on the outcome of the meeting," he said.

Not all Johannesburg municipal workers are taking part in the strike because of internal politics.

Among the services that were affected or interrupted were Metrobus services, Johannesburg Roads Agency, Johannesburg Water and the Johannesburg Licensing Department.

Last week, some striking workers littered the streets and looted items from hawkers.

The strike has had an impact on service delivery, especially refuse collection.
In Cape Town, residents in informal settlements have to make use of shipping containers placed in their areas for refuse collection.

The unions said the wage demands followed an increase in the price of many basic necessities and the cost of day-to-day living.