Strike in KNP, other national parks called off

SKUKUZA – Strike action in several national parks, including the Kruger National Park (KNP) by members of the Health and Other Service Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (Hospersa) was called off on Tuesday night.

Hospersa launched the strike after efforts by the CCMA failed to resolve a dispute with SANParks over salary increases.

Distruptive behaviour was reported at the SANParks Head Office, the Phalaborwa and Orpen gates of the Kruger National Park, as well as interruptions at the Orpen, Berg-en-Dal and Shingwedzi rest camps.

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According to SANParks head of communications, Janine Raftopoulos, contingency plans were activated and parks continued to do business with no disruptions.

SANParks revised its offer to 6,1 per cent plus a one per cent pay progression to qualifying employees. A once-off ex-gratia payment of 0,4 per cent on their basic salary will also be paid to all employees. The 222 employees who do not qualify for pay progression will be paid one per cent once off.

The National Health Education and Allied Workers Union formally accepted the offer last week and members remained at their posts.

“The increase has already been processed, and workers will receive those payments at the end of July, and the once off ex-gratia payment to qualifying employees as well as the one per cent will be in effect at the end of August.”

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Yesterday morning, Raftopoulos welcomed Hospersa’s decision to end the strike. “A prolonged strike would have meant salary losses for our colleagues and more hardships during this tough economic climate. We would like to extend our gratitude to all the SANParks employees who ensured day to day operations in our Parks were not disrupted and thank our visitors for being patient during this period,” she stated.