Ealing Borough Parking Strike Suspended
Union says that Serco has backed down on job cuts
The strike by parking attendants in Ealing borough due to start this Friday (31 January) has been called off with the union claiming that Serco is no longer planning to make job cuts.
Members of Unite, the UK and Ireland’s largest union, employed by outsourcer Serco on Ealing council parking contracts have suspended strike action which would have lastest until 7 February.
However, the workforce could still strike on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 February if they believe further progress is not made in the negotiations to finalise the deal.
Under the initial deal agreed between Serco and Unite, the company has withdrawn its plan to make eight of the 60 strong workforce redundant. The workers’ terms and conditions will not be altered.
In return Unite say they have agreed that a new rota system can be introduced. The new rota will form part of the ongoing negotiations as will agreement on the creation of new roles and how workers will fit into these positions.
The workers had recorded a 100 per cent vote in favour of strike action.
Unite regional officer Clare Keogh said: “This is a tremendous victory and demonstrates what can be achieved through members standing together in unity.
“Serco understood the strength of feeling among Unite members and wisely withdrew the redundancies therefore averting the parking chaos that would have ensued if members had gone on strike.
“It is hoped that future negotiations can ensure that the threat of further strikes can be averted and that Unite can develop a more harmonious relationship with Serco.”
January 30, 2020