Voortrekker Monument workers down tools
Staff responsible for cleaning, gardening and security services at the Voortrekker Monument Park in Pretoria have embarked on a protected strike.
Managing director of the Voortrekker Monument Cecilia Kruger confirmed the strike is over a salary increase dispute.
"Since last November, we've had salary negotiations regarding an increase this year. Because we are a non-profit company and because we are 100% dependent on tourism, the minute those figures go down we can't really give people the increase they want. So, we gave them or offered them 6%. The union wanted a minimum salary of R7 500 per month per person, which is something we just cannot do."
Kruger said the 6% increase came into effect in March.
Kruger says they approached the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), but further negotiations failed.
"We did what we could as far as negotiations are concerned, nevertheless it was decided to continue with the strike."
Police are monitoring the situation.
"The only problem is that they are now fencing off or prohibiting entrance to the site which is not according to the rules, so the public police are at the moment attending to the problem," Kruger said.
Operations at the Monument continue as usual.