Gardeners who maintain London’s Royal Parks have voted in favour of strike action over a proposed pay increase that their union has described as an insult. The workers, employed by grounds maintenance contractor Idverde, were offered an extra 70 pence per hour for skilled gardeners and team leaders, a sum the GMB union said fails to reflect their expertise.
According to the union, the skilled gardeners and team leaders currently earn 55 pence above the London Living Wage, which now stands at £14.80 an hour. GMB accused Idverde of treating the London Living Wage benchmark as a ceiling rather than a baseline, and of failing to properly value the skills and experience of the staff who care for the parks.
The ballot saw a 75% turnout, with 95% of those voting backing strike action. The industrial action is expected to affect routine gardening and maintenance duties across the eight Royal Parks: Bushy Park, Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park-Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James’s Park.
GMB regional organiser Anna Lee said the workers create and maintain some of London’s most treasured green spaces, and that being offered just 70 pence extra per hour was an insult. She said they are skilled, experienced professionals who know the value of their labour, and she called on Idverde to return to negotiations and present a fair pay deal.
A spokesperson for The Royal Parks said pay is a matter for Idverde, adding that the organisation recognises the concern among those involved and hopes a constructive resolution can be reached. Idverde has been contacted for comment.