Another Strike Crisis»

Workers at Venezuelan aluminum producer CVG Alcasa will decide via a referendum if they are to continue a strike which began on April 2nd.

Alcasa workers are demanding a 12% increase "by merit" corresponding to the first half of the year.

"The company is offering to pay 10%, to be made effective immediately which means that on the next payday they would be receiving the increase," the official said.

The company also offered a $1,500 bonus that would be paid outright in the next two weeks.

"Now there is a concern about production levels, affected after five days of stoppage," the spokesperson said.

Puerto Ordaz-based Alcasa is owned 92% by state company CVG and 8% by US aluminum producer Alcoa/