Wiltshire traffic wardens set date for strike

Wiltshire's traffic wardens have announced they will walk out for one day on Saturday 7th May.

The strike is in opposition to a council proposal for a pay cut for all staff working unsocial hours, which the GMB Union say would see members lose around £2,000 a year.

The GMB Union's members were balloted with 100% of those who voted choosing industrial action.

Following an earlier rejection of the proposals by GMB the pay cut for frontline workers, which the council hoped to introduce in April, was paused but Wiltshire Council have not taken it off the table.

The Union say the council is looking to bring back the same pay cut proposals in June, with cosmetic changes.

Keith Roberts, GMB Regional Organiser explains:

“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“GMB members are demanding that the proposed pay cut is completely withdrawn.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."

There will be picket lines on the day at their workplaces: Monkton Park council offices in Chippenham, and at Salisbury Library, with a rally and demonstration from 1pm in the city.

Terence Herbert, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Council, said:

“We have had notice from the GMB Union that 25 officers in our parking enforcement team plan to strike on Saturday 7 May.

“Parking restrictions, including all usual car parking charges, will still be in place at this time.

“Negotiations between the council and the three recognised unions – Unison, Unite the Union and GMB – over proposed changes to terms and conditions are ongoing, and as such it would be inappropriate to comment further on these at this time.”

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• wiltshire
• traffic wardens
• Strikes
• gmb union