As many as 2 000 MTN workers are set to strike from Wednesday to demand higher bonuses.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) reportedly said in a statement on Friday that the employees would down tools on 20 May.

MTN executive for group corporate affairs Chris Maroleng said the operator had received notice of strike action from the CWU on Friday.

“Some of our workers in our call centre environment together with some members of the CWU decided to approach the [Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration] to request permission to engage in a protected strike action. They gave notice to MTN on Friday,” Maroleng said.

However, he said MTN is locked in negotiations with the union. “We are confident that we will arrive at some kind of resolution, although we may very well see industrial action.”

He said most of the individuals involved work in the call centre and warned there could be disruptions or delays to call centre activity on Wednesday.

“We regret and apologise for this.”

Maroleng said it was not clear how long the strike activity would last.

According to Reuters, the CWU has, in addition to its demand for higher bonuses, called for a 10% salary increase and higher pay for work done over weekends and holidays.

Other demands include that contractors be given permanent employment.

MTN had offered workers a 4% bonus, as opposed to the union’s call for a 16% increase.