A union has warned there will be "parking chaos" in Ealing over the coming weeks as 40 traffic wardens go on strike.

The wardens are striking from today (August 27) until 18 September over union recognition, Unite said.

Previously employed by Serco, before being transferred to council-owned Greener Ealing Ltd earlier this year, the workers say the strike will "severely disrupt on street parking".

This will include the monitoring of residential streets where permits are required, and council car parks.

Unite said 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". 

Strike action will escalate if the dispute is not resolved, Unite has promised.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "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."

An Ealing Council spokesperson said: "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."