‘Heroic’ pay victory for traffic wardens after 19 day strike

After 19 days of strike action, traffic wardens settled their dispute with contractors with an agreed pay rise on Saturday.

The campaign fought by traffic wardens employed by NSL Ltd in Kensington & Chelsea throughout May and June has now resulted in GMB union members accepting a £1.55 per hour increase for this year.

The dispute was related to low pay for staff in the borough, who earned less than traffic wardens working for the same company in other London boroughs. 

The pay rise is an increase of 14 per cent, taking workers hourly rate from £11.95 to £13.50.

In addition, NSL have said they will increase pay to £14.25 per hour next year and at least £15 per hour in 2025.

John Weir, GMB London region organiser said: “To take strike action is always a huge decision, but to commit to it for 19 days is nothing short of heroic. 

“NSL Ltd has operated the parking enforcement contract in the borough for over 10 years.

 “Workers within the NSL contract were some of the best-paid in London when the contract started but over the years, below inflation increases have seen their pay eroded and at the beginning of these negotiations they were by some margin, the lowest paid. 

“This increase starts to redress this. NSL and the borough of Kensington and Chelsea will not forget the strength our members have shown.”

Pictured top: Kensington and Chelsea parking wardens (Picture: GMB)