Parking wardens are calling for a pay rise

PARKING wardens launching an indefinite strike this week told how they face constant racist and physical attacks – including being run over, spat on and even “abducted” by irate drivers.

Speaking from a picket line in Kentish Town, Camden Unison rep Emmanuel Urhiofe said he did not feel valued by the council’s profit-making contractor, NSL.

The company, which is owned by bailiff giant Marston, says the union is being unreasonable with its £15.90-an-hour pay-rise demand.

Mr Urhiofe said: “Every day we receive hostile abuse – racial but also physical abuse. One of our members was even abducted, [and] thrown in a vehicle to stop him [issuing the ticket]. I have been hit and knocked down by a vehicle. I’ve been spat upon.

“We work in extreme weather, whether it’s cold or hot – and during Covid we were asked to be on the street when it was dangerous to be outside, because if people don’t see anyone out there, they don’t pay. We were not given any extra money for that.”

He said there was a high turnover of traffic wardens who last went on strike in 2018 for 33 days. This time, 100 per cent of Unison members agreed to go on an “indefinite” strike for however long it takes.

Mr Urhiofe said: “They told us inflation has reduced, but the cost of food is still very high. A lot of the officers are borrowing money. Credit cards bills are up. We need a cushion. They are always offering us just pennies – it’s not enough to pay rent and take care of our families.”

There was a protest outside the council offices in Pancras Square on Monday and a demonstration is planned for Saturday in Camden Town with a march to Mornington Crescent.

Camden Unison secretary Liz Wheatley said: “Last week NSL said in the New Journal they are waiting for us to go to them with a reasonable claim. We already have done: £15.90 an hour. We are waiting for a reasonable offer from them.”

A statement from NSL said: “The staff are currently on a salary well above London Living Wage and, whilst we agree they should receive an uplift, the union’s position of a minimum that will be considered is a 25 per cent increase and therefore not affordable.

“It is unfortunate that the union has chosen to go on an indefinite strike as part of this process and we remain open to hearing a proposal that is achievable. Should the strike go ahead, we will work with the council to minimise disruption.”

The council is encouraging drivers to observe parking rules during the strike.