Striking Pretoria zoo workers assaulted a non-striking employee on Tuesday morning.
ALSO READ: Labour action may cripple city zoo
“This morning, striking workers intimidated and prevented non-striking workers from entering the premises,” said Pretoria zoo spokesperson, Craig Allenby.
Allenby said there were also cases of damage to property.
“Litter was strewn at the entrance to the zoo. Police and metro police are keeping an eye on them [protesters]. A case of assault was opened.”
Some of the zoo workers went on strike on Saturday and Sunday regarding an agreement that was signed in 2009 between the zoo and its various trade unions on the implementation of a seven day work week.
ALSO READ: Business as usual at Pretoria zoo despite protests
Allendy said the National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) was now demanding the agreement be cancelled and employees be paid overtime for work performed during weekends.
The zoo’s managing director Dr Clifford Nxomani earlier said the zoo was not in a position to meet the union’s demands.
Allenby said in terms of the signed agreement, Saturdays were considered normal working days and employees received overtime payment for Sundays.
“The zoo would like to reassure members of the public that zoo management is doing its best to ensure both the welfare of the animals and the safety of the visitors are maintained.
“All the animals are cared for and there is limited impact on other visitor services operations.”
Allenby said the zoo was asking for the public’s patience during this time where operations may have been disrupted.
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