Union warns of ‘Christmas chaos’ as parking wardens strike

A union has warned of “Christmas chaos” across the streets of South London as parking wardens walk out for two days of strike action.

Parking wardens and environmental officers across Wandsworth, Lambeth, Richmond and Kingston are taking part in the action today and tomorrow in an ongoing dispute over working conditions and pay.

The four councils use a parking contractor Apcoa, which employs the traffic wardens within the boroughs.

According to GMB, the union for local government workers, the strike comes after union members were not offered a pay rise for the whole of 2024.

Alex Etches, GMB regional organiser said: “These members not only generate revenue for the boroughs, but also keep traffic moving and keep the streets clear.

“Our members deserve a decent pay rise that reflects the difficult and sometimes dangerous job they do for the boroughs’ residents.

“Apcoa need to agree to meet us, agree to negotiate with us properly and perhaps we can avoid this sort of unnecessary disruption to residents and local businesses going forward.”

But, a spokesman from Apcoa said there is currently a three year pay agreement in place with the GMB, which does not expire until April 2025. 

He said: “The proposed strike action is therefore a clear breach of that agreement.”

The strikes form part of ongoing dispute which saw more than 200 union members strike for a week in October.

A spokeswoman from Apcoa said: “After six years of excellent relationships with the GMB in Lambeth, we are now in dispute over a pay claim. We are extremely disappointed that the GMB has decided to strike and would request that they reconvene talks with ACAS as soon as possible and reconsider their demands.

“In the interests of ending this dispute, we have offered to enter into pay negotiations and so we are extremely disappointed that they have continued with their strike action.

“Whilst APCOA will continue to do all it reasonably can to resolve the situation, the GMB’s irregular actions in these circumstances cannot be justified.”

Pictured top: Parking wardens and members of GMB union outside Lambeth council in October (Picture: GMB)