Embargoed until 10.30am Sunday 15 June
MEDIA ALERT: Zoo Workers Protest: 11am, SUNDAY 15 June 2008
What: Animals from the zoo (a gorilla, tiger and monkey) will join their
keepers protesting outside the Melbourne Zoo, handing out bags of peanuts
to visitors entering the Melbourne Zoo.
Where: Melbourne Zoo main entrance, Elliott Avenue Parkville 3052
Who: Zoo keepers, horticulturalists and maintenance staff and LHMU
Hospitality & Tourism Union Secretary Jess Walsh available for interview.
Industrial action likely at the zoo: We’re not
monkeys, we won’t work for peanuts, say staff
Victoria’s Zoo keepers, horticulturalists and maintenance staff are calling on Premier
Brumby to help prevent industrial action at Victorian Zoos, after management sought
to impose a pay-cut on its staff.
Six month long pay negotiations have broken down because CEO John Wills of Zoos
Victoria refuses to budge from his below-inflation pay offer.
Zoo staff say this offer will put animal welfare at risk because it would force many
dedicated, highly-trained workers to seek work elsewhere.
Jess Walsh, Victorian Secretary of the LHMU Hospitality & Tourism Union, said most
Zoo staff are struggling on incomes below average weekly wages.
“These staff are experts in their field. Their specialised knowledge has made
Victorian zoos world leaders in conservation and captive breeding and one of our top
tourist attractions.
“They bring millions of dollars into our economy and educate thousands of children
about conservation and our natural environment.”
“Meanwhile their modest incomes are being eaten away by rising petrol prices,
mortgage payments and rent, and their employer wants to cut their wages.”
“Zoo staff love their jobs and the animals they care for. But they are not monkeys and
they will not work for peanuts.
“They know the community values their work. They want to know if this State
Government does too.
“If the Government values their work then they must urgently intervene and help
ensure this institution can continue to be staffed by dedicated, highly trained
professionals.
“And if that means providing extra funding so Zoo staff can get a fair pay outcome
then that is what they must do.”
Media comment: LHMU Victorian Secretary Jess Walsh 0400 188 805
More info: LHMU Media Officer Tim Petterson 0438 399 973
NEWS 
