Parking charges still in force as Wiltshire traffic wardens strike
They're walking out over a proposed pay cut
Wiltshire Council say that parking charges are still in force today (Saturday 7th May) as the county's traffic wardens go on strike.
The GMB Union has notified the council that some of its members who are civil enforcement officers are walking out due to a possible pay cut.
The industrial action is over proposals to make changes to the council’s current unsocial, standby and callout policies.
A two-year increment freeze and changes to overtime policies for staff have already been agreed by the unions and their members.
The aim is to agree policies that are standardised, fit for purpose, financially viable and support delivery of the council’s business plan, while ensuring staff are fairly and appropriately rewarded. There are no proposals to cut the base pay of any council staff.
The council has currently paused negotiations on these changes, and has set up a working group with the three recognised trade unions, UNISON, Unite the Union and GMB, with the aim of reaching agreement on proposals so that negotiations can re-commence by the end of June.
Terence Herbert, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Council, said:
“We recognise the right for GMB members to take industrial action if they wish, but it seems strange to do so at this time, given that no final decisions have been made and we’re currently negotiating with UNISON, Unite the Union and GMB on the proposed changes to terms and conditions.
“Workers’ pay is not being cut; we are reviewing specific proposals related to unsocial hours, standby and call out policies, and no final decisions have been made. However, we do need to make some changes to ensure we continue to stay on a strong financial footing, making savings without making redundancies.
“We have always strived to work with unions positively to deal with any matters related to employee relations, and our focus over the next few weeks is to continue to work with union representatives to find a solution to the issues that have been raised by staff about these proposals.
“We value our staff, and we thank them for their continued professionalism throughout this ongoing process. We’ll continue to listen to their views throughout this process.
“While the strike is being held on Saturday 7 May, residents should continue to pay for parking as normal, as all charges and restrictions remain in place.”
Groups of protestors are staging events in Salisbury and at their offices in Chippenham.
Keith Roberts, GMB Regional Organiser said:
“Our members unanimously voted for strike action because they simply cannot afford a pay cut.
“They are telling us that after the increase in national insurance, they have already noticed a drop in take home pay this month, and everyone is struggling with increased fuel bills, and inflation in the shops.
“We regret any disruption to the public, but the council have forced this action upon us. Wiltshire council will feel the pain because parking fines bring in around £900,000 per year, and car park charges bring in about £9 million for them. By cutting pay for these workers, they are killing the goose that lays them the golden eggs.
“GMB members are demanding that the proposed pay cut is completely withdrawn. Putting a pretty bow on it won’t fool our members.
“Scandalously, the proposed pay cut is deliberately targeted at frontline workers who deal with the public. Already the council is struggling to recruit and retain the staff working unsocial hours, many of whom are poorly paid.
“In contrast, Wiltshire Council taxpayers are shelling out for sixteen council directors to each earn over £100,000, including the chief executive, Terence Herbert, who earns over £180,000, which is more than the Prime Minister."