Mpumalanga nature reserves remain closed amid labour dispute
Nature reserves across Mpumalanga remain closed for a third day amid the labour dispute at the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA).
The tourism agency says the strike action is organised by the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu).
It’s understood the dispute is over the placement of employees, especially those acting in management positions.
Workers are demanding that the filling of the recently advertised senior management positions to be halted in favour of the placement.
MTPA spokesperson Kholofelo Nkambule vowed the agency would ensure fair opportunity for employees to apply and be absorbed permanently.
“We have tried through Labour Management Forum to engage the leadership of Nehawu on their concerns, however they have continued to refuse to engage in order to find an amicable solution.
“The engagement would allow both parties to reach a consensus and further ensure that we urgently resume operations at all our offices and nature reserves.”
MTPA is threatening to take legal action if talks with the union continue to be deadlocked.
“We have written to the Nehawu provincial office to request them to withdraw from this illegal strike and allow staff members to come to work. Failure to respond to this request, we will be forced to interdict the illegal action.
“We do not want to force this on our employees; however we will be left with no option if this matter is not resolved as a matter of urgency. We remain ready to engage further with Nehawu in order to reach an agreement,” Nkambule added.
Nkambule said the tourism agency is working tirelessly to reopen its doors.
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