Members of Unite, the UK and Ireland’s largest union, employed by outsourcer Serco on the Ealing council parking contracts have suspended strike action due to start tomorrow (January 31), after the company backed down in the dispute over job cuts.

The strike action will not go ahead as planned. However the workforce could still strike on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 February if further progress is not made in the negotiations to finalise the deal.

Under the initial deal agreed between Serco and Unite, the company has withdrawn its plan to make eight of the 60 strong workforce redundant. The workers’ terms and conditions will not be altered.

In return Unite has agreed that a new rota system can be introduced.

The new rota will form part of the ongoing negotiations as will agreement on the creation of new roles and how workers will fit into these positions.

The workers had recorded a 100 per cent vote in favour of strike action.

Unite regional officer Clare Keogh said: “This is a tremendous victory and demonstrates what can be achieved through members standing together in unity.

 “Serco understood the strength of feeling among Unite members and wisely withdrew the redundancies therefore averting the parking chaos that would have ensued if members had gone on strike.

 “It is hoped that future negotiations can ensure that the threat of further strikes can be averted and that Unite can develop a more harmonious relationship with Serco.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Ealing residents face ‘parking ‘lottery’ as workers vote for strikes

For more information please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 020 3371 2067 or 07802 329235.

Email: [email protected]

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.