Drivers could enjoy a ‘free parking bonanza’ over Christmas and the New Year due to a parking warden strike, Unite Union has said.
Over 30 parking officers go on strike this month in Reading over a fair pay dispute, which Reading Borough Council has admitted will lead to reduced parking enforcement.
Despite the strike and Unite’s claims, the council has warned that drivers will not be able to park for free in the town.
Motorists in Reading and the surrounding Berkshire area most stand to gain from the dispute, which sees 34 parking enforcement officers taking part in industrial action from 16 – 22 December and from 26 December to 1 January.
The parking attendants for Reading Borough Council are contractors belonging to Modaxo.
Unite said those attendants were paid £12 per hour, claiming that is significantly lower than if they were employed directly employed by the council.
The Union the strikes will pave the way for a free parking bonanza in December and January.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: ‘Modaxo is a huge multinational conglomerate making billions in revenue and yet sees fit to penny-pinch and pay poverty wages to our members in Reading.’
‘These workers will have the full support of Unite in this battle for fair pay.’
Reading Council has said that enforcement, including penalty charge notices, will continue during the strike, but at a reduced level.
A spokesperson from Reading Borough Council said: ‘Parking regulations are in place for the safety and wellbeing of all road users and we would urge all motorists to continue to comply with them.’
During the strike, attendants working voluntary overtime with Oxfordshire County Council’s parking enforcement contractor Trellint will be used in Reading.
Metro has contacted Modaxo for comment.
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