WILTSHIRE'S parking wardens will no longer go on strike tomorrow, after last-ditch talks with the council. 

GMB union members in the council’s parking enforcement team were due to go on strike from Thursday June 30 to Wednesday, July 6, over proposals to make changes to the council’s current unsocial, standby and callout policies.

The GMB union is demanding Wiltshire Council stop its 'fire and rehire' policy - something the council says it was not and is not contemplating. 

Talks between the union and the council took place today (Wednesday), the day before a week of scheduled action.

GMB members have said they will 'remain vigilant' and are still prepared to take strike action if it becomes necessary to prevent a future pay cut for frontline workers.

Keith Roberts, GMB Regional Organiser said: “Our shop stewards have explained very clearly to the council the impact that a ten per cent pay cut would have on them.

“GMB will remain vigilant and we are still prepared to take strike action if it becomes necessary to prevent a future pay cut for these frontline workers.

“The council has given us sufficient commitment that they will not be starting the process of fire and rehire to force through a pay cut against the wishes of their workforce, and we are therefore suspending industrial action.

“This is a big win for our traffic wardens, who were preparing for a 7 day strike, but have now forced the council’s u-turn without taking any further action.

"We still have a live mandate for strike action, and we will not hesitate to call further action if the council does not stand by these commitments.”

Terence Herbert, Wiltshire Council Chief Executive, said: “We attended ACAS-facilitated talks with GMB today in relation to the industrial action by officers within the civil enforcement team at the council, and both the council and GMB have agreed to move the process forward in good faith.

“As a result, GMB will suspend its industrial action from tomorrow, and this is a positive development.

“Working group discussions with the three recognised unions will continue, as we look to agree policies that are standardised, fit for purpose, financially viable and support delivery of the council’s Business Plan, while ensuring our staff are fairly and appropriately rewarded.

“We value our staff and the work they do for our communities, and we will continue to listen to their views as this process continues.”