A walkout by Hackney's 70 traffic wardens has moved a step closer after they agreed to ballot for strike action in a dispute over pay and late-night working.
If the parking attendants vote to strike, the borough's parking restrictions will not be enforced, allowing drivers to park illegally on yellow lines, in controlled parking zones without a valid permit and at parking meters without paying.
The Transport and General Workers' Union claim that Central Parking System - the private firm given the parking enforcement contract by Hackney Council - have inflamed the situation by withdrawing its recognition of the trade union.
The wardens have been locked in a pay dispute with the company since last October and have refused to accept a new bonus scheme over controversial car-clamping quotas, claiming targets are "unrealistic".
They are also unhappy at changes to rotas, which, they say, have been imposed without an assessment of the safety risk and will mean them working up until 11pm.
From the Hackney Gazette
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