Around 100 workers of Imsofer Manufacturing SA, a division of the Ferrero Group famous for Ferrero Rocher chocolates, downed tools on Tuesday, trade union Hotelicca said.

Hotel, Liquor, Catering Commercial Allied Workers' Union of SA (Hotelicca) secretary general Themba Zulu said in a statement the strike was protected.

"It began on [Tuesday] after negotiations, which started in November 2013 failed to produce favourable results for the workers."

The union's demands included a monthly basic salary increase from R3026 to R6000.

It also wanted travelling allowances to be upped to R900 from R630, a better night-shift allowance, and for labour broker staff to be absorbed into the company.

Zulu said workers demanded that employment equity principles urgently be put into effect.

"Workers and their union are determined to intensify their protected strike until their demands are met."

Imsofer Manufacturing could not be reached for comment, while Ferrero Themba SA declined to comment on the strike.