Parking warden

Camden parking wardens vote to take industrial action - and could strike during the Olympics

Kate Ferguson, Reporter Friday, June 29, 2012
12:49 PM

Camden parking wardens could strike during the Olympics after union members voted for industrial action in a dispute over pay.

Members of the Unison trade union are set to down tools over demands to be paid £10 an hour.

No date has been set for the strike, but branch secretary George Binette said the union had not ruled out striking during the Olympic Games next month.

He said; “There is overwhelming support for industrial action among our members. Some 97 per cent voted in favour of actions, on a yes on a turnout of 63 per cent.

“The resounding yes vote is a reflection of the level of unhappiness at the long term low pay and lack of dignity at work.

“It is a stressful job week in week out, and enforcement officers face abuse from the public on the one hand, and the management turning the screws on the other.

A spokesman for NSL, which runs Camden’s parking services, said: “NSL has not been advised by Unison of the result of this ballot.

“They have been demanding a pay increase of 30 per cent which is unrealistic. It is also disappointing that they are balloting to strike so close to the Olympics, so as to cause disruption to the public.

“Our levels of pay are fair and reflect the requirements of the roles; despite a public sector pay freeze we are offering a further increase to our staff in Camden this year.”