Press Statement dated 24 July 2019
Hospersa has declared a dispute against South African National Parks (SANParks) following months of protracted wage negotiations. Joining the dispute, are two other unions as all three recognised unions at SANParks look to negotiate for better working conditions for employees working for the tourism giant. Should the wage dispute remains unresolved, unions can bring services at all SANParks facilities to a resounding halt which could negatively impact the country’s tourism and conservation efforts.
Hospersa, which is the majority trade union at SANParks, together with two other recognised unions are embroiled in a wage dispute with the tourism giant. Parties deadlocked after all recognised unions rejected SANParks’ final wage increase offer of 5,5% and have demanded a 11,5% wage increase. The unions have now referred the matter to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) for conciliation to try and end the impasse. Should the conciliation remain unresolved, a certificate of outcome declaring that unions can embark on industrial action / strike as the next course of action will be issued by the commissioner.
“It is unfortunate that parties are yet to agree on an increase for SANParks employees,” said Hospersa Public Relations Officer Kevin Halama. “Throughout these negotiations, SANParks have remained inflexible and unwilling to pay an increase that would soften the economic challenges faced by our members who feel the pinch of rising prices which continues to diminish their earnings. Declaring a dispute against SANParks is the next available vehicle at our disposal to try and end the impasse,” added Halama.
“Should we fail to reach an agreement at the CCMA, our members [Field Rangers, Field Guides, Petrol Attendants, Receptionists and Hut Attendants] can embark on an industrial action and bring services to a resounding halt at all of the 21 national parks managed by SANParks across South Africa,” said Halama.
“Together with the two other unions, close to five thousand (5000) employees could down tools and this could affect day-to-day services like room service and bush walks while petrol filling stations could remain unmanned. Visitors booking confirmations would also be affected,” added Halama.
“While the employer argues that its current offer is fair, we have a mandate from our members to negotiate for a better offer and are amicable to move from our current position provided the employer improves on its offer. We remain adamant that parties can still end the impasse as industrial action of this nature will negatively impact the country’s tourism revenue, conservation efforts at some of the parks and our member’s income,” concluded Halama.
Issued by Kevin Halama, Public Relations Officer, Health & Other Services Personnel Trade Union of SA (Hospersa)