Adeline Brown Monday will see the start of a seven day strike by York’s traffic wardens.
The protest is regarding a row over changes to shifts, which would see employees have an increase from four to five day working weeks. UNISON claims this will put “even more strain” on employees, whilst the City of York Council say the change is required to meet budget cut targets. The union however, does not believe the changes would save money.
Members of the environment enforcement and parking services section would be affected should the proposed change go ahead. Their role is to ensure that traffic through York remains steady and controlled, whilst enforcing rules such as the integrity of residents-only parking.
Despite the fact their work is vital to the day-to-day running of the city, staff are often subject to abuse and even violence by members of the public. Every day, the Civil Enforcement Officers walk 10 miles at least fulfilling their many responsibilities. The long weekend allows for recuperation, without which UNISON claim would cause an increase in sickness and stress levels, and risk damaging the service they provide.
The strike action will see a drop in the council’s income from parking tickets, thus putting the traffic wardens in a strong position to make their demands.
Though news of a strike may please motorists, it is likely to cause traffic and parking problems across the city throughout the week.
