Industrial Action Likely At The Zoo: We're Not Monkeys, We Won't Work For Peanuts, Say Staff

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15th June 2008, 09:30am - Views: 923





Industry Industrial Relations LHMU Hospitality And Tourism Uniion 1 image



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






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