The NUM has called off strikes affecting World Cup 2010 stadiums after receiving a 12% pay increase offer.

The National Union of Miners (NUM) has announced Construction has restarted on the stadiums being built for the football World Cup to be held in South Africa in 2010.

The NUM is the largest union in South Africa representing workers in the mining, construction and electrical energy industries, and has more than 50,000 members. It has confirmed that its members have returned to work, following a row over pay. Negotiations have resulted in a 12% wage increase for workers.

The news will come as a huge relief to FIFA, who will be anxious to ensure there are no further issues surrounding the event, especially following the successful Confederations Cup. The June event served as welcome practice for South African police, who had previously had many spectators doubting their ability.

Many stadiums and projects had been affected by the strike action including the Moses Mabhida in Durban, Nelson Mandela in Port Elizabeth, Green Point in Cape Town and King Shaka International Airport.

NUM General Secretary, Frans Baleni, said: “We further recommit ourselves to the decent work, decent pay agenda.” The statement issued by the NUM, said the union was committed to ridding the sector of exploitation.

South Africa’s Minister for Tourism, Marthinus Van Schalkwyk confirmed to the Daily Mail yesterday that: “Everything is back on track and no construction dates have been shifted.”