APCOA patrol staff in Hackney go on strike

Civil enforcement officers voice concerns over pay and safety

Hackney CEOs on the picket line

Hackney CEOs on the picket line

Civil enforcement officers in the London borough of Hackney, who went on strike for two weeks in February over pay and personal safety, are threatening to walk out again, this time for a month. The union Unite said its members in Hackney are seeking £15 an hour for the year starting in April 2020. They are currently paid the London living wage, which is £10.75 per hour.

According to Unite, 36 out of a total of 77 CEOs went on strike, though more joined the picket after the ballot. However, this was challenged by Hackney council, which said that only 24 out of 77 CEOs took part in the strike.

Unite regional officer Onay Kasab said that the CEOs’ employer APCOA Parking UK was not doing enough to address safety concerns. He told Parking Review: “We’ve had a couple of serious incidents where people have set their dogs on our members. APCOA has sent members back to the same areas where the incidents occurred, despite their objections, which has put them at further risk.”

Unite and APCOA Parking UK attended a meeting at Acas, the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. “But APCOA turned up with an empty purse. They have been refusing year-on-year to increase pay above the London living wage, which is the bare minimum,” said Kasab. “We are calling for pay and conditions to be harmonised with those workers employed by Hackney council when it comes to annual leave, sick pay and unsocial hours payments. We want our members taken back in-house by the council.”

If APCOA Parking UK refuses further talks and the council fails to “take some responsibility” for civil enforcement officers in the borough, Unite will ballot members to stage a four-week strike, said Kasab.

An APCOA spokesperson told Parking Review: “We support good industrial relations and are disappointed we weren’t able to come to an agreement with Unite through the arbitration service Acas, and that some members are taking strike action. We are hopeful talks can resume in future and we continue to have the full support of our client, the London Borough of Hackney during these negotiations.”

Cllr Jon Burke, Hackney’s cabinet member for energy, waste, transport and public realm, told Parking Review: “This is not a dispute between the council and those choosing strike action. Civil enforcement officers are employed by APCOA. However, as with all council contractors, they are guaranteed the London Living Wage, and CEOs can also earn up to 6.4% as an additional bonus every year, which is paid every month subject to factors such as attendance and punctuality.

“We are committed to protecting and supporting our contractors, and do not tolerate any form of violence against staff. Enforcement officers are trained to deal with public aggression and attacks, and are equipped with GPS devices, video badges and short wave radios. In high-risk areas, enforcement officers patrol together. During the strike period, there was only a minimal impact on parking services – with most services fully covered.”