Robben Island workers want to close the island to visitors between Christmas Day and Tweede Nuwejaar so that they can spend the time with their families.
The workers are demanding a R3 500-a-month increase, and plan to strike until their demands are met.
The minimum wage is R6 000, according to National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) provincial-secretary Luthando Nogcinisa.
Robben Island Museum chief executive Sibongiseni Mkhize expects about 150 out of 220 workers will be on strike from Wednesday.
The workers, members of Nehawu, will be at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront daily until their demands are met.
They run the island’s ferries, work in its shops and sell tickets to tourists.
Nogcinisa said Robben Island management had shown an “unbelievable level of impertinence” by telling members they would not receive a wage increase this year.
“This level of arrogance astonished our members and they duly warned the management that their unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated.”
He said management had offered a one-off cash payment of R10 000, which was rejected, and then a 6 percent increase.
“This was rejected by workers who saw this as a cunning ploy by the employer to mislead the workers and the public and to disguise their unwillingness to place a genuine offer on the table.
“This percentage works out to a figure less than the inflation rate in real terms.”
Nogcinisa said Nehawu had declared a dispute after the mediation process failed and workers voted overwhelmingly to go on strike.
The workers’ demands are:
* A monthly wage increase of R3 500 across the board.
* Shutdown of operations from December 25 to January 2 for workers to spend time with their families.
* Implementation of all the provisions of the 2010/11 settlement agreement signed by Nehawu and Robben Island Museum, including an implementation date of May 1 and equalisation of housing allowance to all employers and medical aid.
Nogcinisa said members regretted that people would be inconvenienced by their decision to strike, but workers should not be exploited.
Mkhize said talks would continue until an agreement was reached.
He said the museum had offered 6 percent because it could not afford the increase demanded by workers.
Mkhize said the museum and island would continue to run as usual but with fewer staff.
“Our plan is that, with the workers who aren’t striking, we’ll be able to run the ferries.” - Cape Times