The ongoing traffic warden strike impacts Reading; lost parking fees costing council significant revenue.
Union rep Richard White spoke to the local paper. He thinks the strike costs more than raises, as parking fines bring the council money, funding roads and street upkeep.
White thinks settling would cost Trellint less than £50,000. Wardens have already struck for four total weeks, and two more strike weeks are coming.
Reading council hires Trellint for parking. Trellint is part of Modaxo, a big company; wardens at Trellint earn £12 hourly, says White. Slough pays wardens £13.20 each hour, he added.
Council workers would get £14.50 hourly, according to him. White thinks the council should end the contract. Union members would compromise, claims White.
Trellint won’t talk. Offers don’t meet expectations, and contractors must focus on earning money. White stated this should be a public service, not for profit.
Wardens should keep traffic flowing smoothly. He believes the council should take over parking again.
The council said pay is Trellint’s issue, and they have no plans to take parking back. Trellint brought in extra help during the strike.
The council didn’t say how much money they lost. They also didn’t explain the outsourcing choice, and Trellint didn’t comment on anything.