Johannesburg - Members of the Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (Hospersa) at national parks returned to work on Wednesday after a strike for higher wages, South African National Parks said.
"We are glad that the protected strike by some members of Hospersa has ended and those who participated are back at work," SANParks spokesperson Janine Raftopoulos said.
"A prolonged strike would have meant salary losses for our colleagues and more hardships during this tough economic climate. We would like to extend our gratitude to all the SANParks employees who ensured day-to-day operations in our Parks were not disrupted and thank our visitors for being patient during this period."
SANParks management confirmed that all their employees were back at their posts on Wednesday.
Raftopoulos said that the union sent official correspondence to SANParks formally announcing the unconditional end of strike action by their members on Tuesday.
The strike was in July after a new offer tabled by SANParks. However on July 27, the union said the offer was rejected and the strike resumed.
“Horspersa said members rejected the new offer of a 6.1 percent salary increase and a one percent salary progression for qualifying employees. The union had initially demanded a 9 percent salary increase when it first downed tools last week. That demand was later lowered to 7.5 percent.
Workers on strike included rangers, field guides, cleaners and security guards.
SANParks runs 19 national parks, including prime tourist resorts Kruger National Park, Table Mountain National Park and the Karoo National Park.
Hospersa could not be immediately reached to comment.