Johannesburg — Construction bosses and unions are currently meeting at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) offices for crucial talks aimed at ending the week long strike by workers.

Speaking to BuaNews shortly before the meeting on Tuesday, head of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee Danny Jordaan said he was confident a consensus can still be reached to end the dispute.

"We are confident but please let's speak after the meeting," said Dr Jordaan.

The National Union of Mine Workers (NUM) has rejected the latest wage offer put forward by employers.

Workers have been striking for over a week now, demanding a 13 percent increase. The employers, represented by the South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors, upped their offer to 11.5 percent from the initial 10 percent.

The mass action has crippled work in major 2010 projects including the construction of rapid rail network, Gautrain.