Robben Island tours affected by strike as peak holiday season approaches

Robben Island is one of the most visited tourist attractions in South Africa. At one time there were concerns that the swollen tourist numbers would have an adverse impact on the delicate ecosystems on the island. A prolonged strike by workers, however, has resulted in a marked decrease in tours to the island, much to the consternation of tour operators.
On 26 October, staff at Robben Island Museum said that all tours were going ahead as scheduled and that no delays were to be expected. On 1 November, however, it was reported that the number of tours going to Robben Island every day have been halved – two daily instead of four.
Nearly half the museum’s staff members are on strike, according to the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu). Among the demands are a blanket R2500 increase and, interestingly, a shutdown between 25 December and 2 January. Considering that that week is absolute peak vacation time, it’s unlikely that the demand will be met. Luthando Nogcinisa, Nehawu provincial secretary, has acknowledged the difficulty of closing over the peak season and has stated the union is “open to negotiations with management”.

Unfortunately for Nehawu and the Robben Island Museum, negotiations have stalled. Sinako Mrwetyana, Nehawu branch secretary at the museum says that this is because the union is waiting for management to call them back to the table.
With only a month to go before the holiday season starts in earnest, the pressure is on to beat the ticking clock.