MANAGEMENT of the South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed a number of employees of Health and Other Service Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (HOSPERSA) have gone one strike. Several members of the union abandoned their work stations in different divisions and parks.

This after the conciliation meeting which was facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) failed to resolve the salary dispute between the two parties.

“After assessment of all national parks we have found that there are pockets of areas where staff members either did not report for work or reported and then left as a result of the envisaged strike. We have contingency plans in place for all parks to be able to serve our visitors. We do however encourage those who wish to make reservations do so via www.sanparks.org  for a speeder service”

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“We have activated our contingency plans in all parks and will be monitoring the situation closely. SAPS, SANDF and volunteers from the Working for Water have been posted at gates to ensure safe passage to all those entering our parks. Guests travelling to any of our parks should continue with their plans as we aim to ensure that they enjoy their stay. we are also waiting for the finalisation of picketing rules,” said Janine Raftopoulos, SANParks Head of Communications

HOSPERSA is demanding a nine per cent increase for their members while SANParks is offering six per cent salary adjustment and a one per cent pay progression with a total offer of seven per cent.

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