Bromley Traffic Wardens Vote to Strike Over Low Pay Offer

Traffic wardens in Bromley have voted to strike after rejecting a pay offer that they deemed inadequate. Members of the GMB Union, responsible for parking enforcement in the South East London borough, overwhelmingly supported this decision, with 97 percent voting against an increase of just 50 pence per hour proposed by their employer, APCOA. The turnout for this vote was notable at 72 percent, indicating strong sentiment among the officers regarding their pay conditions.

The proposed hourly wage of £12.71 still falls short of the current London Living Wage of £13.85, prompting dissatisfaction among the staff. Many wardens expressed frustration not only over the pay offer itself but also over APCOA’s response to the potential strike. One officer remarked, “Management keeps trying to divide us and have even said they’ll bring in workers from other contracts if we take action. That just makes us more determined to stick together.”

Another traffic warden highlighted concerns about the absence of backdating for the pay increase, stating, “They’ve refused to backdate the offer to April like they always have before. That means our so-called pay rise is basically coming out of our own pockets.” This sentiment reflects a broader desire for fair compensation and respect for their roles, especially as they navigate challenges such as adverse weather conditions, staffing shortages, and public scrutiny.

Union Calls for Action

The GMB Union has indicated that it will issue a formal notice of industrial action unless APCOA and the Bromley Council, which outsources its parking enforcement services to APCOA, present a “meaningful, backdated pay offer.” Craig Prickett, the GMB Regional Organiser, emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, “Our members have spoken with absolute clarity. The sheer strength of the result shows the depth of frustration among staff who say APCOA has failed to put forward a meaningful pay offer that properly reflects their hard work and the increasing cost of living.”

Prickett reiterated the union’s demands for a fair pay deal, backdated to April, highlighting that similar agreements had been made in prior years. “GMB members are stronger than ever and will not hesitate to act to secure the respect and fair pay they deserve. Unless significant progress is made, GMB will move to confirm strike dates in the coming days,” he added.

In response to the strike vote, APCOA expressed disappointment at the rejection of their pay offer and the potential for strike action. The company stated, “We believe our offer was a fair one. We remain open to continued constructive discussions to reach a resolution and avoid any action.”

A spokesperson for Bromley Council noted awareness of the ongoing discussions but refrained from commenting further, as the negotiations are primarily between the employer and employee representatives.

The situation continues to develop, with the potential for significant impact on traffic enforcement operations in Bromley if the strike proceeds. As negotiations remain ongoing, the outcome will be closely watched by both union members and local authorities.