South African Engineering and Founders' Association executive director Gordon Angus called the steel and engineering strike a culmination of troubles that have dogged the sector for over a decade.
National Union of Metalworkers of SA secretary general Irvin Jim said only one association in steel and engineering approached them with a meaningful offer since the strike began.
The National Union of Metalworkers of SA's week-long strike in metal and engineering already has employers decrying "intimidation" and warning of job losses.
Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has been given less than 24-hours to suspend her department's Cuban engineer programme, or she may have to defend its rollout in court.