Trade union Unite, which represents civil enforcement officers and CCTV operators in Ealing, has said it has given notice of industrial action to outsourced firm Serco who currently manage parking enforcement across Ealing.
In December 2022, Ealing Council announced it would bring parking enforcement in-house across the borough by ditching provider Serco to its own Greener Ealing (GEL) from 1 April 2024.
According to Unite, while Serco still maintains the contract, it pays its workers £11.35 and has offered 1.7 per cent pay increase which amounts to 20p an hour extra.
The planned strikes by civil enforcement officers and CCTV operators will be for two weeks between the 18 January 2023 and 31 January 2023.
Serco also has contracts with neighbouring councils, Hounslow and Brent. Workers will also be going on strike at the same time in those boroughs.
Workers voted 100% for strike action, the union said.
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said: “It’s an absolute disgrace that a hugely profitable business like Serco has put this offensive offer to this workforce. Little wonder then that these essential council workers across West London have begun the New Year with a 100 per cent vote for strike action.”
She added: “The civil enforcement officers and CCTV operators are joining forces to fight back against Serco, an outsourcer with a track record of paying workers poorly. Serco has to give itself a shake and get back to the table, ready to make these workers a reasonable and fair pay offer. If not, the workers’ unanimous strike vote will be matched by Unite’s total support.”
Unite acting national officer Clare Keogh added: “Serco and the London boroughs still have time to prevent a strike and the resulting loss of income. If the strike goes ahead it will mean free parking while workers fight for fair pay. The truth is that the council workers face real hardship when inflation is around eight times higher than their pay offer. For workers on the living wage, it’s hardly enough to live on.”
