News24 reports that SANParks employees are planning a nationwide strike over unresolved wage disputes and unanswered complaints to management.
The National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (Nupsaw) said it planned to protest at the Kruger National Park’s Kruger Gate on 20 September. Nupsaw will be joined by the Health and Other Service Personnel Trade Union of SA (Hospersa), which is the majority trade union at SANParks. Nupsaw’s Kagiso Makoe said the union would be "embarking on a nationwide shutdown of SANParks facilities following unresolved wage negotiations because the employer was unwilling to meet the recommendation by the Commission of Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration [CCMA] of giving Nupsaw members a wage increase of 8% as of April 1". The workers’ grievances also stem from unanswered complaints concerning alleged nepotism, maladministration and the assault of workers. The strike would apparently involve field rangers, field workers, cleaners and administrators. SANParks advised on Friday that it had tabled a revised offer, which entailed an across the board salary increase of 6% plus 1% pay progression with applicable conditions, effective from 1 April this year, which totalled 7%. An additional 1% computed on the March salaries would be effected from next month. The offer, totaling 8%, was rejected by the unions, SANParks said. Both sides now have to finalise picketing rules and agree to the facilitation of a strike ballot.
- Based on reports at News24 and on page 5 of Saturday Star of 14 September 2019
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page