Municipal services have stopped or slowed across South Africa, where union workers have gone on strike calling for higher pay.

More than 150,000 workers with the South African Municipal Workers Union went on strike Monday calling for an 18 percent pay increase.

The action affects bus routes, trash collection, water distribution and public health clinics, among other services.

The South African Local Government Association , which represents the employers, calls the demand for an 18 percent raise “unreasonable.” It has offered a six percent increase, in line with a previous wage agreement after a 2009 strike.

SALGA says that deal gave workers a 13 percent salary increase in 2009, an eight percent increase in 2010 and a six percent raise for the current year.

The union says it remains committed to holding talks with employers. However, no meetings have been scheduled.