Workers at The Royal Parks in London, who maintain eight parks including Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Richmond Park, have voted to take strike action in response to a pay dispute with their employer, sub-contractor Idverde.
The dispute centers on a proposed pay rise of 70 pence per hour for skilled gardeners and team leaders. The GMB union, which represents the workers, has rejected this offer as inadequate. Currently, these skilled workers earn 55 pence per hour above the London Living Wage, which is set at £14.80. The union has accused Idverde of undervaluing the workers’ professional skills and experience, and of treating the London Living Wage as a ceiling rather than a floor for compensation.
The strike vote demonstrated substantial support among the workforce. The ballot achieved a 75% turnout, with 95% of participating workers voting in favor of strike action. GMB regional organiser Anna Lee stated that the workers are skilled professionals who understand the market value of their labor and called on Idverde to return to negotiations to provide a fair compensation package.
A Royal Parks spokesperson acknowledged the situation as a matter of concern and stated that pay negotiations are the responsibility of Idverde. The statement indicated a hope that a constructive resolution could be reached between the parties. Idverde had not yet provided comment on the strike vote or the underlying pay dispute at the time of reporting.
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