SANParks staff members strike for wage increase
However, SANParks-managed operations, including hospitality and gates are likely to experience some service delays.
MALALANE – SANParks has confirmed receiving notice that its staff intended to strike last week.
The strike comes after the trade union, Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (Hospersa), could not reach a wage agreement.
The management of SANParks is offering a six per cent wage increase, which includes a one per cent pay progression which brings the total offer to seven per cent, while Hospersa is demanding nine per cent for its members.
“We can confirm receipt of the intention to strike by workers affiliated to Hospersa,” said SANParks CEO, Mr Fundisile Mketeni.
“We expect the striking workers to act within the law and respect the rights of non-striking workers,” he said further.
Picketing rules are, according to Mketeni, still being finalised.
“We do not expect anyone to picket on SANParks property until such an agreement has been finalised,” he said.
Mketeni also assured guests who are currently visiting national parks and those intending to visit in the coming days that all outsourced services such as restaurants and retail stores will continue operations as normal.
However, SANParks-managed operations, including hospitality and gates are likely to experience some service delays.
“We will activate contingency plans in all the parks to ensure that guests enjoy their holidays with minimal interruption. We will be monitoring the situation very closely and expect the striking workers to act within the law and respect the rights of park guests and employees who have elected not to join the strike,” he said.
SANParks also urged guests to not cancel their bookings, as they will not be affected.
