SANParks workers threaten national shutdown
The Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (Hospersa) has threatened to shut down all national parks following collapsed wage negotiations with the tourism giant.
Hospersa, which is the majority trade union at the South African National Parks (SANParks) and two other unions are embroiled in a bitter wage dispute with the organisation.
The union’s spokesperson Kevin Halama says industrial strike action is a last resort.
"We came to the negotiation table willing to accept an 8% increase. However, SANParks has not come to the party. Instead they have offered a 6.5% increase. Our members have rejected this offer," says Halama.
"So yes the next course of action since negotiations have collapsed is industrial action.”
According to Halama, interventions by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) have also failed.
"The mood on the ground, members can embark on industrial action at any given time."
The looming protest action comes as SANParks prepares to host the 14th annual SA National Parks Week at the weekend.
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