Wiltshire traffic wardens voting on potential strike action
The ballot lasts until the end of the month
Traffic wardens in Wiltshire are voting on whether to strike over a proposed pay cut.
The GMB Union says that their members are facing a drop of 10%, which would reduce their pay by over £2000 per year.
The ballot opens today (Wednesday 6th April) and closes on April 30th.
Keith Roberts, GMB Regional Organiser, said:
“GMB members are deeply angry about the proposed pay cut. They are key workers who were out mixing with the general public right through the pandemic, and indeed traffic wardens helped to run the testing centres where they were brought into contact with people who were Covid positive. They have a great feeling of public service.
“All the Wiltshire staff who work unsocial hours, and whose pay is threatened, are frontline workers – the very people we stood at our doorsteps and clapped during lockdown.
“With National Insurance increasing, fuel and energy prices through the roof, and prices in the supermarkets going up on a daily basis, our members are really worried that if this pay cut goes ahead, then they won’t be able to pay their rent or mortgage and won’t be able to put food on the table.
“GMB members don’t want a strike, but cannot afford the pay cut and are being forced to fight. The council needs to take the pay cut off the table.
“If there is a strike, there will unfortunately be parking chaos. Not only will it cost the council money from car park revenue, but people will be parking anywhere they want, without fear of a ticket."
Wiltshire Council have been contacted for a statement.