Traffic wardens in Ealing have been taking daily industrial action for two weeks due to disagreements over which trade union should represent the workers.

The strike is planned to last until Sunday, 6 October, with further action expected if no agreement is reached.

The traffic wardens were previously employed by Serco, but earlier this year the council took control of their employment.

For the previous ten years under different employers, Unite the Union has represented this group of Ealing Council workers.

Unite members expected this to continue once their employment had been transferred.

However, despite previously being involved in discussions about the transfer of service, Greener Ealing (a company owned by Ealing Council), are refusing to recognise Unite as the trade union representing the traffic wardens.

Unite the Union say in January 2024, prior to the transfer of employment, members had submitted a pay claim, however Ealing Council advised against pay negotiations.

They claimed that Greener Ealing would do this once they had taken over.

However, once the transfer of services had begun three months later, Greener Ealing notified Unite members that they will not negotiate pay claims with the union, and will not transfer recognition of the Union as part of the measures.

Instead, Greener Ealing has negotiated a pay claim with the union GMB, who they wish to recognise instead.

(Left to right) Victor, 64, and Hamid, 60, standing outside Ealing Council (credit: Philip James Lynch/LDRS).

A spokesperson for Unite the Union said: "Greener Ealing and the local authority were not open and transparent about their intentions regarding negotiations or de-recognition and it is shocking that a Labour authority has allowed a trade union to be de-recognised as a result of a TUPE transfer."

Greener Ealing predominantly employs waste management, recycling and cleaning staff.

On the picket line, traffic wardens feel their jobs are too different from other employees at Greener Ealing, and therefore require different representation.

Victor, 64, and Hamid, 60, both taking part in the industrial action, explained why they wanted to be represented by Unite.

Victor said: "We're different to the other workers." Hamid added: "I don't think GMB can represent us. We are separate entities. That's the problem."

Ealing Council said: "The council's previous statement remains the same and will be closely monitored.

"The Civil Enforcement Officers are employed by Greener Ealing and not directly by the council.

"This would be a matter for Greener Ealing Limited. The workforce that are on strike are employed by Greener Ealing and not Ealing Council."

A spokesperson for Greener Ealing said: "GEL has a recognition agreement with the GMB. We have explained repeatedly to the Unite Representatives that we will not recognise them for collective bargaining purposes.

"We have now reached an agreement on pay and conditions with the GMB for the entire workforce. Parking staff are also benefiting from a range of improved terms and conditions."

"The strike itself has had minimal impact with a small number of parking staff taking part each day. The service is operating well and meeting the council's priorities."

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