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South African National Parks (SANParks) management confirmed that a number of employees, who are members of the Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (HOSPERSA), have abandoned their work stations in different divisions and parks.
The strike action comes after efforts by the Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) failed to resolve the salary dispute between the two parties.
According to Janine Raftopoulos, SANParks Head of Communications, SANParks revised its offer to 6.1% plus 1% pay progression to qualify employees, which totals 7.1%. “Furthermore, a once-off ex-gratia payment of 0.4% on the basic salary will be paid to qualifying employees; excluding the 222 employees who do not qualify for pay progression.”
Raftopoulos said that the 222 employees will receive a once-off ex-gratia payment of 1% on the basic salary. Stating: “We want to put it on record that 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 1 percent will be effected at the end of August.”
“As management we were hopeful that the employees would accept the offer just like NEHAWU members did. We deem the offer as fair but unfortunately HOSPERSA members decided to withhold their labour which is their right, however we hope they will adhere to the picketing rules which were agreed to by both parties and are binding. We have seen disruptive behaviour at SANParks Head Office (Groenkloof), Phalaborwa and Orpen gates in the Kruger National Park. Management has requested the Union to immediately intervene; failing which, an application for an interdict will be lodged to stop unruly behaviour and seek adherence to the rules by HOSPERSA members” said Raftopoulos.
There have been reports of interruption in some of the camps in the Kruger National Park, namely Orpen, Berg en Dal and Shingwedzi.
SANParks has activated contingency plans, emphasising that guests travelling to the parks should continue with their plans.
Sоurсе: tourismupdate.co.za