Rhinos' fate at stake as rangers strike

Two unions with representation at the Kruger National Park have denied being behind a strike planned for today.

"As far as we're concerned, our members have not indicated there is a strike," Ivan Molefe, an SA Commercial Catering and Allied Workers' Union negotiator, said yesterday.

The Health and Other Service Personnel Trade Union of SA said none of its members was involved in a strike.

The union blamed some of its former members for planning the strike, which is over a pay dispute.

"They are striking for legitimate issues but they did that as individuals. They didn't consult us," said union spokesman Dumisani Mthalana. "They are fighting for something we're also fighting for."

Earlier, the park's spokesman, William Mabasa, said a notice giving 361 people permission to strike was issued by the CCMA.

Of those workers, 248 are rangers, sparking concern about the protection of animals from poachers, particularly rhino.

Rangers form 20% of the park's workforce .

"It is indeed unfortunate that our rangers have decided to go on strike at a time when we are at the peak of our war against rhino poachers," Mabasa said.

"These are the men and women we rely on in our fight against the poachers."

Mabasa said the action was apparently sparked by the belief among workers that some employees were being paid more than others for the same job.

Management said it had explained that salary differences could be due to factors such as experience or a longer term of employment.