Members of two Telkom unions will stage a stayaway in the first week of August after a breakdown in salary negotiations, officials said on Wednesday.

The Communication Workers Union and South African Communications Union (SACU) would strike from 1 August to 5 August.

"The demands relate to the re-opening of the long-term substantive agreement," the unions said in a statement.

The unions wanted a 12.5 percent increase for the year from April 2008 to March 2009 and another increase of 8.7 percent for between January and March this year.

It also wants medical aid benefits and standby allowances.

"Members of CWU and SACU will withdraw their labour totally as from 7.30am 1 August 2008 up to and including 6am on 5 August 2008," the unions said.

Sapa