Civil enforcement officers in the South London borough will begin the action on November 10 after pay talks with their employer broke down.
Bromley traffic wardens who are GMB Union members rejected APCOA’s pay offer of £13 per hour, which they feel is “substantially lower” than what equivalent workers receive in neighbouring boroughs and also the London Living Wage of £14.80.
According to the union, APCOA employees performing the same roles in Lambeth and Wandsworth earn £15 per hour.
Union members voted unanimously to take action last month with a voting turnout of 72 per cent.
Those who voted to hold industrial action told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) they “just want fair pay and respect for the job we do” as they face “bad weather, short staffing and constant public pressure” in their line of work.
The industrial action will see traffic wardens performing only their contractual duties and no voluntary or discretionary tasks.
They will not issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) “beyond what is strictly required” and will decline non-contractual overtime or extra duties.
As required under the Road Traffic Act, they will be prioritising keeping traffic moving safely and efficiently.
According to the union, “their role will focus solely on maintaining road safety and compliance by encouraging drivers to move on where necessary”.
The GMB Union claims the lack of PCN issuing will result in Bromley losing revenue “in the tens of thousands of pounds per week” as long as the industrial action continues.
The union also said the action is likely to cause “serious disruption” to parking enforcement across the borough.
GMB Regional Organiser Craig Prickett said: “APCOA’s offer of £13 an hour is unacceptable when other contractors in similar roles are being paid significantly more.
Our claim for £17 per hour is reasonable, benchmarked against other companies in the sector and reflects the responsibility of the role.
“Bromley Council can’t hide behind its contractor – they commission and profit from this contract and the workers who deliver it deserve a proper wage. Our members will maintain the contract, but they will do only what they are paid to do, nothing more.
“We call on APCOA and Bromley Council to come to the table with a meaningful offer – not a few pence here and a few pence there, which is just further frustrating the members.”
In response to the planning industrial action, an APCOA spokesperson said: “We are open to talks and are still hoping to conclude this matter satisfactorily for all parties concerned.”
Bromley Council continues to deny it has any influence over the pay talks.
A council spokesperson said: “As we have previously outlined, we are aware of ongoing discussions between the employer and employee representatives and whilst we are hopeful for a positive outcome, it would not be appropriate for the council to comment given that the council is not the employer.”
