HOSPERSA MEMBERS CONTINUE STRIKE ACTION AT SANPARKS

Hospersa members at South African National Parks (SANParks) are continuing with the industrial action after rejecting the new wage offer. The Union’s members have maintained their stance for an equal salary increase for all employees and will continue to engage with SANParks to end the impasse.

Hospersa members at SANParks are continuing with the industrial action effectively from this morning. The strike was suspended last week Wednesday following a new offer from SANParks. However, Hospersa members have rejected the new offer citing it does not equally benefit every employee. SANParks’ new offer is a 6,1% salary increase and a 1% salary progression for qualifying employees. The 1% pay progression is only for those employees who will be benefiting from the introduction of salary notches as a response to salary disparities.

“We presented the new offer to our members and it was overwhelmingly rejected,” said Hospersa General Secretary Noel Desfontaines. “Our members demand a fair increase that benefits all employees. Unfortunately the offer put forward by SANParks falls short of our members’ demands, and as a result the industrial action continues,” added Desfontaines

Employees who are currently on industrial action includes field rangers, field guides and petrol attendants who form part of the critical functions when visiting the national parks. The receptionists as well as hut attendants and security guards have also down tools. Affected parks include the Kruger National Park, Agulhas National Park, Mokala National Park, Namaqua National Park, Mapungubwe National Park and the Kgalagadi Transfronteir Park. During the industrial action, day-to-day services like housekeeping and bush walks will be affected and petrol filling stations will remain unmanned. Visitors booking confirmations will also be affected.

“Our members’ position is clear on what it will take for them to return to work,” said Desfontaines. “Our members had previously demanded a 9% increase, but as a compromise are willing to settle for a 7,5% salary increase for all employees” added Desfontaines.

“We will continue to engage with SANParks, even during the industrial action, to find an amicable solution to end the dispute. A lengthy strike is never in the best interest of both parties. Employees will suffer financial set-backs and the organisation’s operations which includes the fight against poaching could also be negatively affected,” concluded Desfontaines.