IT'S been a bruising few months for employers, with unions declaring disputes in almost every economic sectors and demanding more money.

IT'S been a bruising few months for employers, with unions declaring disputes in almost every economic sectors and demanding more money.

And the global economic meltdown has worsened a tough wage negotiation season.

From the public broadcaster to public health, workers recently took to the streets "to fight for what is owed to us", said an SABC employee during protests on Wednesday.

The workers have threatened "a blackout" if their 12,2percent salary hike demand is not met by today.

The SABC has offered 8,5 percent.

Hot on the heels of a construction workers' strike, which ended on Wednesday, comes the chemical, energy and paper sectors, which have threatened to strike next week.

Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers Union deputy general secretary Thabani Mdlalose said its members had rejected the employers' offer and demanded 10 percent plus 2percent across the board.

A strike by the union would paralyse the supply of fuel across the country.

The mining sector has not been spared the workers' wrath either.

The National Union of Mine workers said its members had rejected the 8 and 10percent offers on the table.

"We do not want to strike because you are going to victimise us with no work no pay and make our recession worse," said a statement from the NUM to th South African Chamber of Mines.

"Iff that happens we will victimise you in return with no pay no work."

The other union, Solidarity, has also rejected the offer.