JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - More than 1 million South African public sector union members seeking higher wages have threatened to bring the government to a halt on Tuesday with a one-day nationwide strike.
The following scenarios look at what may come next in the dispute that could threaten commerce and swell the budget in Africa's largest economy:
GOVERNMENT BENDS TO UNIONS' DEMANDS
* The one-day strike seems increasingly likely and analysts said it could well force the government into making a deal.
* Precedent of workers at state-owned firms getting wage increases of more than 8 percent, roughly double the country's inflation rate, bodes well for public sector workers receiving pay hikes close to their demand of 8.6 percent.
* Ruling African National Congress' (ANC) goal to cut a deficit of 6.7 percent of GDP will come under pressure due to the need to assuage long-time union allies who feel they are owed favours after helping Jacob Zuma ascend to the presidency.