Vic: Zoo workers to stop work today
MELBOURNE, April 3 AAP - Zoo keepers and gardening staff at the Melbourne Zoo willwalk off the job today to protest their wages and conditions.
The zoo workers, members of the Australian Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous WorkersUnion (LHMU), say their wages are 27 per cent less than colleagues in other states.
"Although world leaders in many of their fields, keepers and horticulturalist wagesat Victorian zoos are now so low it has become increasingly difficult to retain staff,"
a LHMU spokeswoman said.
The spokeswoman said they would stop work at 1pm today (AEST) and rally outside the zoo entrance.
Similar stoppages are expected at Healesville and Werribee zoos later this week.
Workers at the Melbourne Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary walked off the job last monthover the sacking of three colleagues.
Zoo managers have also announced the facilities need a $75 million revamp to remain relevant.
The proposed revamp includes an on-site hotel, a camping ground and a 24-hour shopping centre.
Victoria's three biggest zoos cost about $24 million a year to run, $7.5 million ofwhich is contributed by the state government.
AAP bja/pw
KEYWORD: ZOO
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