Johannesburg, South Africa (CNN) -- South African union members Thursday rejected an improved wage offer from the government as a public sector strike continues to cripple the country.
The government had upped its offer to a 7.5-percent wage increase and an 800-rand ($110) housing allowance.
The unions were demanding an 8.6-percent wage increase and a 1,000-rand ($138) housing allowance.
After union members rejected the offer in a vote, leaders met Thursday to determine how to move forward, said Patrick Craven, a spokesman for the Congress of South African Trade Unions.
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union, one of COSATU'S largest members, said there was some confusion over the offer.
In addition to more housing allowance, the government is offering to set up a program that will make it easier for public workers to buy houses, according to a spokesman for NEHAWU.
CNN
