Parking enforcement officers in south-east London are taking industrial action this week in a dispute over pay.
GMB Union members working in Bromley voted unanimously in favour of industrial action after 97 per cent of them rejected parking company APCOA’s hourly 50p increase. Turnout for the strike vote was 72 per cent.
The industrial action will start on Monday and see traffic wardens performing only their contractual duties and no voluntary or discretionary tasks.
They will not issue PCNs “beyond what is strictly required” and will decline non-contractual overtime or extra duties.
GMB regional organiser Craig Prickett said: "APCOA's offer of £13 an hour is unacceptable when other contractors in similar roles are being paid significantly more. Our claim for £17 per hour is reasonable, benchmarked against other companies in the sector and reflects the responsibility of the role.
"Bromley Council can't hide behind its contractor – they commission and profit from this contract, and the workers who deliver it deserve a proper wage. Our members will maintain the contract, but they will do only what they are paid to do, nothing more.
"We call on APCOA and Bromley Council to come to the table with a meaningful offer – not a few pence here and a few pence there, which is just further frustrating the members."
A council spokesperson said: "As we have previously outlined, we are aware of ongoing discussions between the employer and employee representatives and, whilst we are hopeful for a positive outcome, it would not be appropriate for the council to comment given that the council is not the employer."
APCOA has yet to comment on this week’s action.
In a statement in October, the firm said it was disappointed that its pay offer had been rejected.
“We believe our offer was a fair one. We remain open to continued constructive discussions to reach a resolution and avoid any action.”
