Ealing traffic wardens will continue their strikes with a protest today (18 September) outside of local MP Deirdre Costigan's meeting with constituents as well as at the council's monthly cabinet meeting.

Around 40 parking services workers employed by council-owned Greener Ealing Ltd have been on strike since 27 August over their employer's refusal to recognise their long-term union Unite.

The workers were previously employed by Serco before being transferred to Greener Ealing Ltd earlier this year.

The traffic wardens argue that their role is completely different to the rest of Greener Ealing's waste management workforce, therefore they want Unite, which has represented the workers for a decade, recognised for collective bargaining on their behalf.

Ealing traffic warden strike dates:

• MP Deirdre Costigan constituent meeting protest: Wednesday 18 September, Lancaster Road Community Centre (UB1 1NP) at 10:30am-12pm.
• Ealing Cabinet protest: Wednesday 18 September, Perceval House (W5 2HL) at 3:30pm-5:30pm.

According to Unite the Union before becoming the Ealing Southall MP, Costigan as deputy leader of Ealing Council assisted the workers in their campaign to stop parking services being outsourced, pledging a better working relationship and terms and conditions under council employment.

Despite her promises, the MP is now refusing to support the workers' calls to have Unite recognised by Greener Ealing, claims the union.

Ealing Council Leader Peter Mason also met with Unite during the campaign to end outsourcing but is now ignoring their calls for their union to be able to negotiate pay and other matters with Greener Ealing.

The workers are also angry that the council is using agency labour to break the strike.

Ealing Council hired temporary staff ahead of the strike and hired at least four more agency workers during the ongoing industrial action, which is potentially unlawful believe the union.  

Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said: "Ealing council's Labour leadership and MP are betraying these workers.

"Not only have promises been broken but a Labour council is now in the disgraceful position of using agency staff to break a strike.

"Unite will not rest until the council listens to these workers and ensures their union is recognised by Greener Ealing."

Ealing traffic wardens will protest in front of Perceval House today as strikes continue (credit: Cesar Medina).

An Ealing Council spokesperson commented: "The council's previous statement remains the same and will be closely monitored. We are disappointed that Unite are leading on industrial action in our Parking Service. So far the impact has been minimal with very little disruption to normal services.

"We have put measures in place to ensure that residents aren't impacted during industrial action and would advise drivers to follow restrictions as normal or they could face being issued with a penalty charge notice.

"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."

Measures will continue to be in place to mitigate the strike action.

Unite the Union say strike action "will continue" into the autumn and winter if the dispute is not resolved.

Deidre Costigan has been approached for comment.

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