Ealing traffic wardens are set to strike over denial of union recognition from Ealing Council.

Unite the Union has announced today (Thursday, 15 August) that over 40 traffic wardens plan to walk out from 27 August to 17 September, potentially causing parking enforcement problems throughout the borough.

The parking services workers were previously employed by Serco before being transferred to council-owned Greener Ealing Ltd earlier this year.

Since then, Greener Ealing has refused to transfer the recognition agreement Serco had with Unite to represent the workers, whose roles are completely different to the rest of company's waste management workforce.  

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham says: "Greener Ealing's treatment of these workers is atrocious and will not be tolerated. The company is preventing these workers, who are a distinct working group, from bargaining collectively over pay and other issues.

"Our members' have Unite's absolute support as they strike for union recognition."

Strike action will take place from 27 August to 18 September and Unite believe the strikes 'will severely disrupt on street parking,' including the monitoring of residential streets where permits are required, and council car parks.

Unite regional officer Lui D'Cunha adds: "Greener Ealing and the council will be entirely responsible for the parking chaos the public will face.

"There is still time to avoid strike action, but that requires councillors to intervene and force Greener Ealing's management to sign a recognition agreement."

An Ealing Council spokesperson tells Nub News: "We are aware that since parking services were transferred into a council owned company that Unite and Greener Ealing have been in negotiation over a recognition agreement.

"We welcome trade union representation of our workforce and hope an equitable agreement will be reached between the union and Greener Ealing.

"Since being transferred back under council control, Ealing has seen a significant increase in the performance of parking services, focused on delivering value for money for Ealing residents, reducing congestion and air pollution, making the roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists."

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