Ealing wardens win

Normal parking rules apply – as Ealing’s traffic wardens are offered a 3.5 per cent pay increase just hours before their planned 24-hour strike.

More than 50 wardens were due to go on strike today (September 11) over an original pay offer of 1.5 per cent from employer NSL.

Unite contends this to be ‘miserly’ when contrasted against the retail price index of inflation, currently at 2.5 per cent – such pay offers contributing to the cost of living crisis that so many Britons are feeling.

But with the possibility of a costly walk-out looming – losses of up to £25,000 in lost fines – NSL reconsidered at the eleventh hour and a deal to increase the wardens’ pay to 3.5 per cent across a two-year period was agreed.

Unite regional officer Michelle Braveboy said,“Our members have voted to accept the two-year pay deal and, as a result, the strike has been called off.

“I congratulate our members for the solidarity they have shown during this dispute.”

The deal is a victory for the wardens but is yet another example of the disastrous consequences of councils, crippled by central government cuts, turning to private companies to provide services – ultimately it is the workforce who pay.