Parking wardens strike could cause free parking for all in Central London
By Jacob Phillips, local democracy reporter
Parking wardens are set to strike and could cause a parking free for all in Central London.
Westminster wardens working for NSL parking are set to strike over pay and conditions.
Union workers unanimously voted to reject NSL Ltd offer to pay staff an extra 21 pence per hour in a three year deal. They have not yet confirmed how long the strike action could last.
The strike could be a huge blow to Westminster Council who make £73m in parking charges each year, according to research from the RAC Foundation.
GMB Union has said workers would need a pay rise of at least 42 pence per hour due to inflation figures this year or they will be losing money in real terms.
The union say staff have not seen their allowance rise for 10 years and earn the basic London Living wage.
GMB has said it expected traffic chaos to return and Westminster council could lose five figure cash sums for each day of strike action.
GMB Officer, Paul Grafton said: “It’s not an unreasonable aspiration to have a reasonable wage for working in Central London.
“Already this year we’re seeing inflation rates climb, and yet the pay offer put forward by NSL would in real terms see staff salaries cut.
“NSL have told us that Westminster council have declined any wage uplift to that’s what has been offered.
“Although COVID-19 may well have reduced this during the pandemic we have seen Westminster Council generate some £73 Million in parking income from just one year alone.
“It’s clear that this isn’t the actions of a responsible employer, and we believe now it’s clear NSL don’t want the contract in Westminster.
“If this is the case then they should walk away now and leave Westminster City Council to run it in house.”
Westminster City Council were contacted for comment.
They say they are currently negotiating with traffic wardens and the council is committed to ensuring all employees, including contracted staff, receive the London Living Wage as a minimum.
NSL have been contacted for comment.