Hounslow Parking Attendants Call 'Indefinite' Strike
Say there will be no enforcement in borough until pay increase granted
Motorist may get some temporary respite from Penalty Charge Notices
March 9, 2023
Parking attendants in the borough of Hounslow are taking indefinite strike action and “won’t stop” until they get a pay rise.
Unite, the union representing them, claimed the combination of ‘stubborn’ employers, poor pay and the cost of living crisis is forcings workers to take all-out strike action.
But Hounslow Council and contractors Serco are refusing to top up their salaries. It follows six weeks of walk-outs in January, February and March over pay.
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said, “Parking enforcement officers in Hounslow are absolutely determined to fight for an end to poor pay.
“They are now upping the ante with an indefinite strike. It’s a clear message to the council that it will not starve these workers back to work. Bosses need to realise the workers have Unite’s total support.”
The workers are directly employed by Serco which manages the contract for the London borough. The giant outsourcing company’s latest profits were £303.9 million.
Unite acting national officer, Clare Keogh said, “Hounslow Council’s intransigence has now caused an indefinite strike. The workers are not prepared to give up.
“Council leaders know full well a deal is possible. It’s time to negotiate an end to this dispute.”
Neighbouring Ealing and Brent councils have already boosted workers’ pay following strike action making Hounslow the outlier.
Enforcement officers and CCTV operators in Ealing got a nine per cent pay increase backdated to April 2022 while new starters got a 12pc pay boost.
They also negotiated a further 8pc pay increase from April this year and extra annual leave entitlement.
A Hounslow Council spokesperson said, “The Council remains in dialogue with Serco on this industrial dispute.
“The Council respects the fact that it is for Serco to manage these issues as an independent employer, but key senior officers from within the council have been meeting with representatives from Serco to discuss dispute resolution, given the impacts on Hounslow residents.”
Serco was approached for comment but did not respond.
Adrian Zorzut - Local Democracy Reporter