EALING will not face a parking 'free for all' after wardens called off strike action.

Nearly 50 parking officers began strike action for two weeks beginning on June 30 – with more planned for August 2 to 15.

But Ealing Council's parking staff contractor Serco has now apologised to its workers, according to the council leader.

The agreement was reached during talks between Unite and Serco mediated by government dispute resolution body the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).

Unite says Serco has also agreed to additional protection against dismissal within the absence and compassionate leave policy.

During the strike, Serco argued that all its employees are covered by the same sickness procedures to ensure consistency and fair treatment across the business.

Ealing Council leader Peter Mason said on Twitter: "Very happy to see Serco has apologised and the dispute with Unite the Union over Ealing's parking enforcement is now concluded.

"We're committed to extending and protecting trade union rights in the workplace of our workers and for Ealing residents.

"Deirdre Costigan and I met with civil enforcement officers on the contract recently to understand their experiences working both directly for the council and for Serco.

"As a new administration, we've committed to exploring insourcing public services as our first choice.

"We're going to be using the full force of the council's spending power in our borough, as well as a major player in our local economy to: deliver good jobs, drive up pay and the LLW [London Living Wage], drive out zero hours contracts. And much more."

Unite regional officer Clare Keogh said: "Unite's position remains that public contracts, such as parking enforcement in Ealing, should be taken out of the hands of outsourcers and brought back in-house by local authorities.

"The union, however, looks forward to improved industrial relations with Serco in Ealing now that this dispute has ended."

Serco have been contacted for comment.