Traffic wardens are to go on strike next Saturday, with a demonstration in the city centre.

Next Saturday (May 7), the trade union for Wiltshire Council staff, GMB, has called a one-day strike of all traffic wardens in the county.

There will be picket lines on the day at Salisbury Library, Market Walk, with a rally and demonstration from 1pm in the city.

The rally will then return to the library steps for 1.40pm for speakers.

There will be an additional protest outside the library from 11am on Tuesday (May 3).

GMB says the strike is in opposition to a council proposal for a pay cut for all staff working unsocial hours.

This is expected to see many council workers including traffic wardens and social workers losing thousands of pounds a year, the union says.

Keith Roberts, GMB Regional Organiser, said that the members of the union voted "unanimously" for strike action "because they simply cannot afford a pay cut".

He added: “We regret any disruption to the public, but the council have forced this action upon us. Wiltshire Council will feel the pain because parking fines bring in around £900,000 per year, and car park charges bring in about £9 million for them. By cutting pay for these workers, they are killing the goose that lays them the golden eggs."

Terence Herbert, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Council, said: “We have had notice from the GMB Union that 25 officers in our parking enforcement team plan to strike on Saturday May 27.

“Parking restrictions, including all usual car parking charges, will still be in place at this time.

“Negotiations between the council and the three recognised unions – Unison, Unite the Union and GMB – over proposed changes to terms and conditions are ongoing, and as such it would be inappropriate to comment further on these at this time.”

 

Get more Salisbury news. 

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date, as well as signing up for one of our newsletters.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.